Irish rookie Kellyann Hogan will make her AFLW debut this Thursday night in the Pies’ Round One opener against Carlton.

Only picking up the sport over the off-season and having only played match simulation and practice matches so far, the clash with the Blues will be the 23-year-old’s first official game of football ever.

Crossing codes after starring in Gaelic Football, Hogan is an athletic midfielder with strong endurance.

Playing for the oldest Ladies Football Club in Ireland, the Ballymacarby team, the midfielder played a significant role in their campaign for the All-Ireland Club Football Championship.

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Hogan was named Player of the match in the country final win and received the WLR Granville Waterford Sports Award that celebrates an athlete that excels across all sporting codes for the month of October (2023).

In 2024 she Captained the Waterford ladies football team, leading them into the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter final this past June.

Joining Sarah Rowe and Muireann Atkinson as Irish players on the Pies’ list, Hogan has quickly picked up the sport just as her compatriots did.

Hogan’s family surprised her upon learning about her debut, making the trip over from Ireland this week to watch her first game. 

Get your tickets to the season opening blockbuster between Collingwood and Carlton on August 14