Western Bulldogs midfielder Jess Fitzgerald has signed on to remain in the red, white and blue until at least the end of the 2030 AFLW season.
Her four-year commitment is a strong indicator of faith in the Club’s future, with the former Pick 2 excited by what the team can achieve in years to come.
“The group that we’ve got and the pathway that we’re on is really exciting - I’ve seen some of the girls who have already signed on and it’s a pretty good group,” Fitzgerald said.
“The players that we have now, some of them have no idea (of how high) their potential is which is super exciting. I’m just stoked to be amongst it to be fair.
“We’ve started to show glimpses of what we can achieve, and I still don’t think we’ve quite nailed it, but the fact that we are 3-2 is a pretty good spot to be in. We (have only) scratched the surface.”
Remarkably the 24-year-old has never missed a match across her 68-game career to date, now sitting second on the Club’s all-time AFLW games played list.
“I feel like I’ve only just gotten here, but it’s like I must have been here for a little while if I’ve reached second place,” she said.
“It’s pretty special – this Club means a lot to me, so to know I’m sitting somewhere on the leaderboard is pretty cool.
“I’m just very grateful each week I get the opportunity to pull on the jumper. It’s something I take great pride in.”
AFLW List Manager Dan Fisher was thrilled to have Fitzgerald commit.
“It’s great having Fitzy commit her long-term future to us. She already has so much experience and is taking her game to another level with her two highest career games for disposals coming in the first two rounds this year,” Fisher said.
"Her speed to get out of congestion combined with a quality kick on both sides of her body is so important to how we want to move the ball.
“As a leader, her empathy and care are massive assets to everyone in the program. She gives so much both on and off field and is a great person and player to be building around."
Fitzgerald joins Emma McDonald (2029) and Sarah Poustie (2028) in committing to multi-year deals at the Kennel this month.
