CORK’S 2021 ALL-Star defender Erika O’Shea is edging closer to an AFLW move, The42 understands.
O’Shea was named on last year’s TG4 Ladies Football All-Star team after becoming a key member of the Rebels defence. She has enjoyed two impressive seasons with the senior side. At just 19, she would be one of the younger players to make the switch.
North Melbourne and St Kilda are amongst several outfits in contact with O’Shea. It is understood clubs have identified her speed and running ability as key attributes that would allow her to succeed in Australia.
O’Shea’s resilience is another positive. She was dropped from underage Cork teams, failing to make the cut one year of U16 trials, but bounced back to enjoy success.
In an interview with The42 earlier this year, O’Shea admitted AFLW was an attractive avenue.
“Definitely in the long run I would like to play AFL if I got the chance but I’d love to play for the county first and try my best and win All-Irelands,” she concludes.
“There are such talented players going over, I would like to give it a go.’
O’Shea has been working with Talent ID and AFLW skills coach Mike Currane in recent months in preparation for a move. He is also working with 2021 Player of the Year and Meath star Vikki Wall ahead of her expected switch Down Under.
“She is a great player and a great person,” said Currane of O’Shea. “I’m not surprised there is interest. Right now, they are just conversations.”
Meanwhile established Irish players are attracting increased attention in Australia. With all 18 clubs in the competition next season, the sign and trade period is set to be chaotic as established clubs look to hold onto key players while new teams hope to poach top talent.
Hawthorn have shown interest in Aileen Gilroy, currently at North Melbourne. While per Womens.afl, champions Adelaide, North Melbourne, St Kilda and Geelong have all registered their interest in Mayo native and West Coast’s Niamh Kelly.
Interesting combination of locks and backrows for Australia with 5 guys who’s primary position is lock in the 23 and then Naisarani who’s 6’5 at 8. I guess that means Australia are looking at New Zealands issues from 1 through 6 and deciding that’s the best way to take them on.
@Eddie Hekenui: I have a feeling Australia will target the nz lineout. Having Savea at 6 reduces their lineout options(he adds massively at the bd and in the loose obviously) and with Australia loading up in that area I can see them trying to disrupt the nz lineout and use their own lineout and maul in attack. Be a fascinating watch how that particular area goes.
@Eddie Hekenui: good
@Eddie Hekenui: good
@Eddie Hekenui: good to see Luke Jones back in the mix. He was phenomenal when he broke through for the rebels a few years back. Exciting hybrid lock to watch.
@Ian Verdon: Yeah I’ve just seen the NZ team. Read is a good lineout operator so they’ll still have 3 options but not as strong as usual where they’ve had 4 and Retalick as banker ball. I’m just surprised Australia went with Latu ahead of Faingaa who was pretty lethal off the back of the Brumbies maul this season. Rodda had a strong season attacking opposition ball so I can see him trying to go after NZ ball. Lots of teams will be watching with interest to see if they can dominate in the set piece and how that affects the game because there are far stronger tight 5′s out there than Australia.
@Jim Demps: Yeah he’s an exciting player at his best but he’s been very up and done this year. I’d love to see him hit form again.
@Eddie Hekenui: yeah sure didn’t faingaa get into double figures this season in the try scoring column? I think all of which were at the back of the maul. Read is a very dependable lineout operator indeed, I think the lineout is certainly an area opposition teams will target. The Nz scrum isn’t the weapon it has been in the past yet by no means poor but SA in particular would be relishing that front 5 battle.
@Eddie Hekenui: If you’re going after the NZ lineout faingaa is not your man to play to hit those darts. Very wishy washy as was clearly evident against the jaguares in the super semis
@Liam Flague: He’s not perfect but he’s better than Latu and probably the best of a questionable bunch going on this seasons form. Brumbies had a strong lineout and a very dangerous maul with Faingaa being an important part of that. The last two times I’ve seen Latu play for Australia he’s fallen apart in the lineout. Against Wales in November they lost 4 or 5 lineouts and the last time he played NZ he lost 6 or 7 in 35 minutes.
I really like 11-15. Better centre pairing.
@Andrew H: it will be a great test to see where he’s at going toe to toe with one of the most in form and even at only 24 one of the best 13’s in the game. Can see goodhue using his power and exceptional running lines to ruffle O’Connor’s feathers.
NZ will stick to their usual strategy of pinning Aus in their half forcing them to run out.
Then scoring after with counter attacks from turnovers, while keeping the scoreboard ticking with penalties because of good defense. There is little Aus have in their arsenal to counter them, they will go down fighting like they always do.