Tipperary dual star Orla O'Dwyer has become the latest Irish player to sign a deal with an AFLW side, as she joins the Brisbane Lions.
The 20-year-old Premier camogie captain is the Brisbane side's first Irish recruit and will be linking up with them on a rookie deal.
According to the Lions, O'Dwyer got in touch with the club through the international CrossCoders programme, which has previously helped fellow Irish stars Ailish Considine and Yvonne Bonner land AFLW deals.
"AFLW is something completely new for me and I’m looking forward to the challenge that’s involved with learning a new sport and living in a completely different country," O'Dwyer told the Brisbane Lions website.
"I think it’s great for women’s sport to have this opportunity and I’ve decided to choose AFLW while I’m still very young and because it’s such a great experience."
She added:
"It all happened so fast but I’m really happy with my final decision.
"The club have been so welcoming and friendly and by chatting with Craig [Starcevich], Bree [Brock] and many more, I know that I am going to be very happy.
"Brisbane have excellent players and I’m really looking forward to playing at such a high standard with these girls and pushing myself."
Due to O'Dwyer's dual-code status, she was faced several profile fixture clashes. Last year, which she lined out in two games that were just four hours apart.
After facing off against Kerry in a football championship game in Nenagh, she rushed off to The Ragg just outside Thurles for a camogie championship tie against Offaly.
O'Dwyer is now the eighth Irish player to pen an AFLW deal for the upcoming 2020 season.
Sisters Niamh and Grace Kelly from Mayo are linking up with the West Coast Eagles, who are a new club in the league. Meanwhile, fellow Mayo native Sarah Rowe will be returning for another season with Collingwood.
Donegal's Yvonne Bonner and Cora Staunton are both signed up to go back to Greater Western Sydney Giants while Ailish Considine (Clare) is staying on with the Premiership champions the Adelaide Crows.
Tipperary star Aisling McCarthy enjoyed a strong campaign with the Western Bulldogs last year and has also recently signed a new deal with the side.
