Fremantle Fairest and Best winner Aish McCarthy spoke to media last week after being recognised onstage and said she did not expect to hear her own name read out as the Club’s top player of 2025.

“I still can’t believe it, to be honest, to get the recognition inside the four walls of the Football Club for the role I play, I just can’t believe it,” McCarthy said.

The Irish midfielder praised teammates Gabby Newton and Kiara Bowers who placed in the top three of the vote count, with just 15 votes separating them.

“To be on this stage with Turbo and Gabby Newton, the two players I go into battle with every week, was really nice,” McCarthy said.

“It was a tight count I think as well, so I’m just in disbelief at the moment.”

McCarthy said while she’s been able to have an impact on the scoreboard, it’s the trademark actions the team praises week-to-week.

“I do go forward and kick goals but when I sit down at my reviews or the actions that are shown on the screen at our review meetings, it isn't those things,” McCarthy said.

“It’s the shepherds you do, the tackles or snapping into defence.

“Turbo does those things every week, she does them 21 times sometimes in games with tackles.

“They’re the things I think we recognise in our players and celebrate, and all the other stuff comes after that.”

Reflecting on her two seasons in purple, McCarthy touched on the tough situation she was in two years ago, unsure of what the right next step would be for her.

“Slotting into the midfield and forward line at this Club has allowed me to have a lot of confidence in my own ability.

“The environment and connection with Lisa Webb as our coach, the connection she builds with our playing group, and I think every player is very clear on our strengths and weaknesses.

“When you don’t have to overthink and you can just focus on what your role is, I think that’s definitely helped.”

McCarthy said she’s had to push hard to get to where she was at in 2025, with so many talented players on Fremantle’s list.

“I also think the players I train alongside has meant I’ve had to push and improve on my game, and I couldn’t sit on my laurels otherwise I probably wouldn’t make the 21,” McCarthy said.

While McCarthy’s home away from home is in Perth, her heart stretches back to Ireland, and she gave praise to her parents, who have ridden every bump with her, even from the other side of the world.

“My mum nearly watches every game of (AFLW) - every team, every round, so she doesn’t get much sleep for about three months,” McCarthy said.

“They’re just really happy to see how happy I am out here, and I think when they came and visited last year and how they connected with the Club and all the other Irish parents, they had an amazing time, and they know I’m in good hands.

“They’re the ones that drove the length and breadth of Ireland as a young kid for me to play Gaelic football and camogie.

“To see me on the other side of the world playing a totally different sport that wasn’t on my radar growing up, in a professional environment and then to get a reward like this, they’ll be very proud.

“To come across to Freo and just be reinvigorated, I just feel like I’ve really set my roots now in Perth. I’m really enjoying my life outside of football as well.”