Todd Patterson works with Sinéad Goldrick and Blaithin Mackin at the reigning champions.
Sinéad Goldrick and Blaithin Mackin celebrating last month's AFLW Grand Final win. Image: Melbourne AFLW. MELBOURNE AFLW LIST manager Todd Patterson believes that the “appetite and need” for Irish players Down Under will remain over the next five years.
Dublin great Goldrick and Armagh star Mackin were two of 22 Irish players involved in the Australian league last season, with a total of 29 featuring since its inception in 2017. But the most recent AFLW season kicked off in August, meaning several absentees from the inter-county scene as they committed to pre-season in Australia. Just four of the 22 played on home soil — Goldrick, Mackin and Meath All-Ireland winning duo Vikki Wall and Orlagh Lally, who were on the books of North Melbourne and Fremantle respectively.
“We’ve been fortunate that the girls that have come out, obviously starting with the Dublin girls, they’ve just been really well physically prepared. We’re comfortable for them getting here on the eve of the season, despite the impact that has on their skill-base. That will be our stance moving forward. But how long we can maintain that will be dictated by timing of the season and how it all works together.
“It was a really special feeling and really hard to describe. Just so proud of the girls. It’s massive for our club. We passionately care about women’s footie.” Her sister Aimee, brother Connaire, mother Freda and boyfriend Eoghan were all there to watch Blaithin kick a goal in the Grand Final and put the cherry on top of an “incredible journey”.