Áine McDonagh on what the GAA can learn from AFLW

To go to the other side of the world and thrive in a new sport is something many athletes would struggle to do, but that's exactly what Áine McDonagh has done.

The Galway footballer, who has also played basketball for NUIG Mystics, has 10 goals in eight games for AFLW side Hawthron, in only her second season in Australia.

While Áine admits this young side is very much developing, a big part of their progress has been seen in the Galway women. Speaking to Breakingnews, she claims the work she put in following her first season has been shown in her performances in this campaign.

"I think it was just about getting more comfortable with the game. Last year, I had only come out six weeks before the season started, and then I had a bit of an injury so then I missed the opening games. I felt like I was just turning water last year, just doing what I can to stay afloat.

"This year, I took the off season pretty hard and concentrated on getting my skills up, my fitness up, everything that was controllable. I feel a lot more comfortable this year in different situations because I put myself into them more a good bit in the off season so not much has taken me surprise compared to last year."

Since she was 20, McDonagh was asked about her interest in AFLW. As the years went on, and more Irish players were successful in the sport, the Galway woman believed she could succeed in the sport.

After meetings with numerous clubs, Hawthorn was her destination, with Mayo's Aileen Gilroy also making the move to the club. While she admits it took some time to settle in Australia, McDonagh was encouraged by the success of fellow Irish players.

"It eases you into the competition for sure. When you see Niamh Kelly flying it for Adelaide, Orla