WATCH: 'That is Gaelic footy with a Sherrin' — Irish make mark despite loss in historic AFLW game

Niamh McLaughlin's goal and Vikki Wall's tackle had the Aussie commentators in raptures 

Niamh McLaughlin of Ireland is tackled by Chloe Molloy of Australia during the AFLW test match at the North Sydney Oval in Sydney, Australia. Pic: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images/AFL Photos via Sportsfile

A stunning Niamh McLaughlin goal of the season contender and a massive hit by Vikki Wall couldn’t stop Ireland from going down to a big defeat against Australia in the first ever AFL exhibition game between the countries.

The sides faced off at a packed North Sydney Oval for a game that ended with the star-studded Aussies pulling away to a 91-41 win, but two of the standout moments in the contest came from the girls in green.

McLaughlin, a Donegal native who plays her Aussie Rules with the Gold Coast Suns, produced a stunning toe-poke finish late on in the game and in front of a crowd that boasted a huge Irish contingent.

“That is the best goal you will ever hope to see,” said one commentator.

“That is Gaelic footy with a Sherrin,” said another.

"This is Gaelic footy with a Sherrin." 🤩

Niamh McLaughlin has just scored an outrageous goal off the deck. pic.twitter.com/cfo2ithaNn

— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) August 1, 2026

McLaughlin’s improvised input had so impressed the game callers that they wondered if game’s exhibition statis actually made it eligible for goal of the season. High praise, indeed!

Wall, an All-Ireland winner with Meath who turns out for North Melbourne, had already left her mark on the game by that stage, her shoulder challenge on West Coast Eagles star Ella Roberts enthralling the game callers.

“Oh, look out,” said the lead commentator. “Vikki Wall: the great Wall of Ireland” “Ella Roberts is feeling every bone in her body right now,” she added after the ball had gone dead seconds later.

"The Great (Vikki) Wall of Ireland."

What a bump from the Roo 😤 pic.twitter.com/n2fkCByWes

— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) August 1, 2026

There are over 40 Irish players on the books of AFLW clubs right now.

Among those in action in this contest were 

Brisbane premiership player Orla O'Dwyer (Brisbane), Dayna Finn (Carlton), Aine McDonagh (Hawthorn), Aisling McCarthy (Fremantle), Aishling Moloney (Geelong Cats), Niamh Kelly (Adelaide), Sarah Rowe (Collingwood) and Erika O'Shea (North Melbourne).