Drafted: Pick 2, 2020
Fitzgerald became a Bulldog with their top pick in the 2020 Draft, taken with Pick 2 overall. A talented ball-winning midfielder, Fitzgerald was a former Northern Knight who proved her credentials with a best-on-ground performance in the Knights’ 2019 Premiership as a bottom-age player.
Ahead of Jess Fitzgerald’s 50th match this weekend, we take a closer look at the defining moments of her career to date.
First game: Round 1, 2021
It didn’t take long for Fitzgerald to impact at AFLW level, making her league debut in the opening round of the 2021 season against St Kilda. She finished the day with 10 disposals and three tackles, before a standout performance the week after to earn herself a Rising Star nomination. In a full circle moment, she will now play her 50th milestone match against the same team she debuted against.
First goal: Round 2, 2021
Fitzgerald’s maiden career goal came against Carlton in Round 2 of her debut season. Named the weekly Rising Star nominee for her efforts, the then 18-year-old was all class – notching up 15 disposals, four marks, six inside 50s and six intercept marks.
Awards: 2021 Best Young Player, 2022 (S7) Community Award, 2022 (S7) Coaches’ Award, 2023 Best Young Player
A regular recipient on Best and Fairest night, Fitzgerald has claimed her fair share of club awards across her five seasons. She wound back the clock last year, claiming her second Best Young Player award following an average of 15.4 disposals, four tackles, two clearances and 241.6 metres gained.
