AFLW's Irish experiment showing no sign of abating

The AFL women's season is finally earning some stability in the Australian sporting calendar and the flow of Irish talent into the league has never carried such force.

Now in its ninth season, the competition has moved from its March/April finishing spot in earlier seasons to the current late November/early December conclusion, paving the way for a record 33 Irish players to compete in 2024.

With most of those coming from inter-county GAA backgrounds, the dual player is currently alive and well, but it undoubtedly feels like a conflict is on the way with a full-time professional league a key aspiration of the AFLW.

Eighteen teams will compete – the arrival of the Tasmanian Devils is to be confirmed with their male team to join the AFL in 2028 – and there will be a record five female coaches with new additions Tamara Hyett (Western Bulldogs) and Daisy Pearce (West Coast Eagle) boosting that total, the latter often regarded as the face of the league.

Opening day on Friday will see Sydney Swans host Collingwood (10.15am Irish time), with a number of Irish players set to feature, before West Coast Eagles and Richmond, two sides without Irish representation, meet.

For that first clash, Donegal’s Tanya Kennedy is in her second season with the Swans and will start at centre while Kerry pair Paris McCarthy, who played Division 1 basketball for East Tennessee State University on a full scholarship in 2022, and Julie O’Sullivan are not involved.

Monaghan’s Muireann Atkinson, for what will be her AFLW debut, and Mayo’s Sarah Rowe start for the Magpies, while Cavan’s Aishling Sheridan has been added to the inactive list as she will stay in Ireland.

With a quintet of Irish players on board, Fremantle should have plenty of support from these