Breann Harrington stamped herself as a serious player of the future after an outstanding 2016 season with Cranbourne in the VWFL. Playing primarily in the ruck, Brea used her athleticism and mobility to give her midfielders first use of the football, quickly building a reputation as an exciting emerging talent.
Selected by Carlton with pick 67 in the AFLW Draft, Brea excelled in her debut season, with her ruck craft and contested marking standing out as key strengths. She continued to build her form through the VWFL following her first AFLW campaign, preparing herself for a breakout 2018 season. That year, Brea took her game to new heights, earning a NAB Rising Star nomination, selection in the All-Australian squad, and claiming Carlton’s Best & Fairest award, a clear reflection of her growth and importance to the Blues.
Following the 2018 season, Brea undertook a student exchange as part of her university studies, gaining valuable life experience before returning to Australia midway through the 2019 pre-season. She hit the ground running, adding forward craft to her game and contributing to a much improved Carlton outfit.
Across the 2022 seasons (Season 6 and 7), Brea continued to anchor Carlton’s ruck division, building consistency and influence around stoppages. She maintained this form in 2023, delivering strong performances and once again being recognised as one of the club’s most reliable contributors.
In 2024, Brea played 11 matches and averaged over 11 hit-outs per game, reinforcing her status as one of the competition’s most durable and consistent rucks. She elevated her output again in 2025, producing one of her strongest seasons to date with career-high averages in disposals and hit-outs while playing 15 games, including influential finals performances.
Her continued dedication has been rewarded with multiple All-Australian selections and two Carlton Best & Fairest awards, highlighting her standing as one of the AFLW’s premier ruck players.
A relentless competitor with elite professionalism, Breann Harrington remains a cornerstone of Carlton’s midfield structure and one of the league’s most respected bigs.
Playing Honours:
Carlton Best & Fairest - 2018, 2023
AFLW All-Australian – 2021, 2022
AFLW Rising Star Nomination – 2018
All-Australian Squad of 40 – 2018