By:
Conor Martin
The Irish influence in the AFLW continues to surge, with the number of Ladies Gaelic footballers set to line out in Australia in 2026 now exceeding 40 following Monday’s draft.
Cork dual star Hannah Looney, Meath’s Sarah Wall, and Antrim’s Anna Mulholland were among the latest Irish players snapped up by AFLW clubs.
Their selections bring the total number of current inter-county players recruited over the past week to seven players ready to swap Ladies Gaelic Football for Aussie Rules.
In men’s Gaelic football, inter-county players are widely sought after by Aussie Rules clubs and make the move to Australia and flourish thanks to the similarities the two sports share.
Irish contingent ready for Australia move
Tyrone’s Aoife Horisk is bound for Melbourne, while another Cork dual player, Aoife Healy, has joined Fremantle. Cavan’s Ellie Brady will line out for Collingwood, and Waterford’s Emma Murray has been added to Geelong’s squad.
Wall’s move to North Melbourne further strengthens the reigning champions’ Irish contingent, with five Irish players now included in their 30-player panel. Sarah’s sister Vikki Wall, Cork’s Erika O’Shea and Fermanagh’s Bláithín Bogue all featured in last month’s Premiership final victory over Brisbane, while Offaly’s Amy Gavin Mangan was named as an emergency.
Looney and Healy were both part of the Cork side that fell to Galway in this year’s All-Ireland senior camogie final in August, underlining the high calibre of talent making the switch to Australian football.
While 39 Irish players featured during the 2025 AFLW season, recent retirements and delistings initially reduced that figure. However, the latest round of signings means 42 Irish players are now targeting the 2026 campaign.
Ireland’s impact on the competition was further highlighted last month when five players were named on the 21-player All-Australian team.
Of the 18 AFLW clubs, 13 now boast Irish representation, with North Melbourne leading the way. Irish players are also spread across Adelaide, Carlton, Fremantle, Geelong, Hawthorn and Melbourne.
Although draft opportunities are now limited, future openings may arise. Tasmania’s entry as the AFLW’s 19th team in 2028 is expected to further increase demand for Irish talent.
Why do so many Ladies’ Gaelic footballers head Down Under?
Many Ladies Gaelic footballers head to AFLW for professional pay, elite coaching, and year-round competition, opportunities the amateur LGFA can’t match. With top facilities, medical support, and a global stage,
AFLW lets players develop fully while showcasing their skills. Speed, stamina, and ball-handling from Gaelic football translate perfectly, making Irish athletes standout performers. Simply put, AFLW offers money, resources, and exposure – everything the LGFA lacks, while giving players a new, high-level challenge.
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