Former Tipperary Camóg Megan Ryan signs for AFLW's Essendon

Former Tipperary camogie player Megan Ryan has become the latest Irishwoman to sign up with an AFLW club ahead of the start of the new season this weekend.

Ryan has made a switch from SANFL side North Adelaide, with whom she won a Grand Final, to the Essendon Bombers, who are gearing up for their debut season. The South Australia-based competition that Ryan has left is a level below the AFLW.

It means there are now 22 Irish players playing in the elite level of Aussie Rules Football, with Ryan, who has been living in Australia since early 2019, set to play alongside Fermanagh's Joanne Doonan at the Bombers.

"Whilst it's disappointing for Jorja to miss the season, this is another great opportunity for a player to represent this football club in our inaugural year," AFLW Contract Manager Georgia Harvey said.

"Meg is a strong and competitive player who recently played in a premiership with North Adelaide in the SANFLW and we look forward to welcoming her to the club."

Back-to-back All-Ireland winning Meath manager Eamonn Murray told the media after last month's final victory over Kerry that his side wouldn't reach their potential owing to the fact that he was losing some of his best players to Australia.