Dublin All-Ireland winning midfielder set for AFLW move

AFLW MOVE: Dublin All-Ireland winning midfielder Eilish O’Dowd is set to join AFLW club GWS Giants, the Irish Examiner understands. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Dublin All-Ireland winning midfielder Eilish O’Dowd is set to join AFLW club GWS Giants, the Irish Examiner understands.

O’Dowd started for Dublin in last year’s All-Ireland final victory over Kerry. Her midfielder partner, Jennifer Dunne, became the first player to win an All-Ireland and AFLW title in the same year when she played for Brisbane Lions in the Grand Final last December.

GWS Giants were one of the few clubs who did not have an Irish player on their list last season. The Sydney-based side previously had stars like Cora Staunton and Brid Stack. It is understood O’Dowd is working with AFLW Talent ID coach Mike Currane, who is also an accredited agent.

A record-high 33 Irishwomen operated in the league last year. Since then, Roscommon’s Jennifer Higgins was delisted by Sydney Swans as was Fermanagh’s Joanne Doonan by Essendon. Two-time Premiership winner Ailish Considine announced her retirement last month.

Monaghan captain Muireann Atkinson recently signed a deal with Collingwood and Donegal’s Amy Boyle-Carr penned a contract with Adelaide Crows.

There is only a limited number of spots left available for the upcoming campaign as the AFLW Draft has already been completed. The Rookie Signing Period opens on Monday, February 5.

Some Irish women can still secure a list spot if a current player is moved to the inactive list. In 2023, Vikki Wall’s switch to the Irish Rugby 7’s squad opened up a spot for Considine at North Melbourne.

This route is only available to players who nominated for the draft. Nine international players did so, they were: Muireann Atkinson, Brenda Bannon, Rosemary Courtney, Leanne Foley, Aisling Halligan, Lauren McConville, Jade McGee, Grainne McLaughlin, Mo Nerney.