By Michael McMullan

FORMER Down player Clara Fitzpatrick has committed for another season so AFL club St Kilda.

The Bryansford native, who had already spent three years of her life in Australia, was a member of St Kilda’s inaugural side in 2020 and was in the top 10 for the club’s Best and Fairest Award.

Her return to Melbourne comes following special compensation by the AFL to re-sign the key defender during the sign and trade window.

BACK IN THE DAY…Clara in the red and black of Down

“We’re very pleased to welcome Clara back to St Kilda for the upcoming season,” said Head of AFLW Tessie McManus on the club’s website.

“We were disappointed not to have Clara available to us in 2021 due to the unforeseen impacts of Covid-19, and despite being delisted later that year, it was always our intention to welcome her back into the fold.

“We are excited to embrace Clara back at St Kilda when she makes her way over from Ireland and look forward to her pulling on the red, white and black once again.”

Fitzpatrick is among an extensive list of Irish player to join the sport including Cavan’s Aishling Sheridan (Collingwood), Brid Stack, Cora Staunton (both GWS) and Orla O’Dwyer (Brisbane).

READ MORE – Sleacht Néill goalkeeper calls it a day. Click here…