Irish imports Aisling McCarthy and Katy Herron will return home this weekend, amid the changing coronavirus landscape.

The duo told their teammates the difficult news on Thursday night, after the Bulldogs’ AFLW campaign came to an early close.

Second-year player McCarthy said it’s important they head home now while they still can.

“We decided that we’d probably be best off at home, so we’re leaving on Saturday,” McCarthy said.

“It’s obviously sad, and a pity that it’s all a bit rushed, but the way things are going I guess it’s better to get home rather than be stuck here if things get worse.

“It’s been a great season though, and even coming back for my second year – the step up compared to last year has just been brilliant.” 

Herron, who made her red, white and blue debut in Round 1, said she was grateful for the opportunity.

“Personally I’ve had an amazing time – this is something I never thought I’d get to do, so to do it with a group of people like you all has been so special,” Herron said.

“I know over the last couple of weeks I’ve tried to get the standards up, but that’s because I can see what we have, and I can see how much better we can be as a team.

“I’m 30 now, and this was something I worked for so hard in life – there’s no point wasting time.”