When Lucy Cronin began her AFLW career on the opening night of the 2024 AFLW season, the defender was somewhat shocked to even be there.

Having had an injury-interrupted pre-season – not playing a single warm up match – and only in her draft year recovering from a ruptured ACL, playing in Week One wasn’t always on her radar.

But such confidence did Senior Coach Sam Wright and his coaching cohort have in the teenager, that she was straight into the Pies’ side for the first game of the season.

“To be put in the position I was put in for Week One playing on their key forward, I was just shocked honestly,” she said.

“Coming out of a two month rehab it was definitely a bit shocking that they put me in for Week One.

“I was just hoping to get a game or two this year so to be put in for Week One was awesome.”

In the few months since that debut match against Sydney, Cronin has done much more than just get a game or two.

Matching up and restricting All-Australian forward Dakota Davidson in just her third game, and earning a Rising Star nomination in her fifth, the defender quickly established herself as one of the Pies’ key figures.

“I think I’ve grown so much over the season and have been given some amazing opportunities and have just tried to learn as much as I can,” she said.

That growth led her to a maiden selection in the AFLW 22under22 team for season 2024, becoming the youngest player and only 2023 draftee to make the side.

Tying that in with a two-year contract extension that will see the number 27 locked in until the end of 2027, Cronin is a major part of the Pies’ future going forward.

“I couldn’t believe it to be honest to be the only one from my draft year so it’s awesome,” Cronin said of her 22under22 selection.

“I’m super pumped to be sticking around for a few more years.

“To be able to know that I’m part of a team that’s building constantly with new staff and new coaches and hopefully some new talent coming through is awesome.

“I can’t wait for the future.”