Orla O’Dwyer’s Australian gamble pays off with powerhouse performance in AFLW Grand Final

The Tipperary-native became the second Irish AFLW champion ever on Saturday

PRIDE OF LIONS: Jade Ellenger (left) and Orla O'Dwyer celebrate after winning the AFLW Grand Final at Adelaide Oval. Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images

The journey started last November for Orla O’Dwyer when she took the brave decision to leave Tipperary during an ongoing campaign to travel to Brisbane for the 2021 AFLW preseason.

Just three days separated O’Dwyer delivering the news to county manager Shane Ronayne and her flight to Australia. It was the first of several swift dashes this season. The 22-year-old became the second Irish champion ever on Saturday as she played a shining role for the Brisbane Lions during their spectacular 6.2 (38) to 3.2 (20) win over the Adelaide Crows at the Adelaide Oval.