A NEW SEASON, but another big Dublin signing for Melbourne FC.
Last October brought a landmark day as Sinéad Goldrick and Niamh McEvoy became the first Dublin players to join the Irish exodus to the Australian Football League Women’s [AFLW].
The pair also became Melbourne’s first female international recruits, and went on to impress in their debut season before the season was cut short due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Now, their Sky Blue team-mate Lauren Magee will join them at the Dees for 2021.
“It’s an incredible experience to be given the opportunity to play AFLW, especially for a club like Melbourne that has a close connection to Dublin GAA,” as the 2018 All-Star midfielder told the club upon signing.
Famously, Melbourne was the home of late Dubliner Jim Stynes. Stynes joined the club as a teenager before going on to make 264 appearances in a glittering career, and then spent time as assistant coach and club president after his playing days.
The beloved Irish-born AFL legend passed away in March 2012 after a long battle with cancer.
“Dublin holds a special place in our heart, given the connection to Jimmy and the Stynes family,” Melbourne’s AFLW List Manager Todd Patterson said last year, when announcing the double-signing of Goldrick and McEvoy.
“To be able to have our first AFLW international players come from Dublin is really special, as it extends that bond and continues Jim’s legacy.
“We’re looking forward to building on this association with Dublin, to share ideas and player development strategies. We see this as a real opportunity to continue to explore the best practices for our program.”
That, they certainly have done, with the recruitment of Kilmacud Crokes star Magee.
And this time around, Patterson was just as thankful for that special Dublin-Melbourne FC connection.
“We can’t thank Dublin enough for their support of all three girls,” he said.
“Having personally met with [Dublin manager] Mick Bohan, it is clear why the three girls have had the amount of success they have had under his management.
“They do miss National League fixtures whilst being here, so for Mick and Dublin to support them in pursuing additional dreams and experiences is something we are very grateful for.
“The connection to Dublin is one that holds great meaning and value to our club, and it’s really special that we can continue Jim’s legacy.”
Magee, Goldrick and McEvoy are now expected to link up with Melbourne for pre-season after the TG4 All-Ireland senior championship, the latter with “unfinished business” Down Under.
Should all go ahead as planned, they’ll excel in the Australian league and miss the majority of the 2021 Division 1 league campaign here before returning to Ireland to represent their county in championship action.
The trio now follow in the footsteps of former Cavan player Laura Duryea (née Corrigan) at Melbourne FC. Duryea was the first Irish player to ply her trade in the AFLW in its inaugural season in 2017, but she had been living in Australia for a number of years and playing Aussie Rules at amateur level, so was not considered an international rookie.
Mayo great Cora Staunton followed suit in crossing codes from ladies football to AFLW ahead of the 2018 season, while many others have joined since.
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Rafa Out banners already. Chants of “f..k off Rafa you’re not welcome”.
Comedy Gold at the bridge today.
Chelsea fans are worlds worst….. It’s a privilege to have a manager like Rafa…. Hope rafa takes his money a run, after the treatment he will get from these high class thugs….
I think it’s more a case of Di Matteo getting sacked. The fans wouldn’t welcome anybody after it. Rafa is just the target of the fans anger when it really should be Abromavich getting the boos
A minute ago other was because he liked to play 9-0-1.
Where did you read your latest “opinion”?
Jesus Damien give it a rest already. I don’t like the defensive style Rafa uses. shockingly enough that’s MY OWN opinion. I’m merely speculating that it wouldnt matter who replaced Di Matteo because he was the man to lead Chelsea to the champs league and FA cup titles last year, and as such is the man the Chelsea fans want to see lead their team
Now do me a favour and try not to troll over every comment I make. its not my faulty made a tool of yourself earlier on.
Yes free flowing football won Chelsea those trophies alright. It’s obvious you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Don’t worry it’s not your “faulty”.
The free flowing football I mentioned arrived with the new look midfield of Oscar and Hazard. In case you didn’t know, they weren’t around for the champs league last year.
Sorry about the typo. Now please go get yourself a life. For a guy that advised me to stop reading newspapers you’re spending a lot of time on here.
Finally since we’re correcting spelling and grammar, “u” is a letter “you” is the word you were looking for.
Pretend all you like that you didn’t understand what I meant about reading too many newspapers.
I know what you ment you clown, just because happen to agree with the general consensus doesn’t mean I took it from the paper. now in the most polite way I can put it, piss of.
Try harder you’re nearly there.
its ok I’m finished feeding the trolls today
You read that somewhere?
It’s not just the Di Matteo sacking. There was a lot of bad blood between Rafa and Chelsea and in particular the fans since the days when he was Liverpoool manager.
In terms of upsetting the fans, it’s probably the worst appointment since George Graham became Spurs manager.
Sexy football? You’ve clearly never seen a team play under Rafa! Di Matteo had Chelsea playing free flowing football. Rafa will be playing that 9-0-1 formation I reckon
I think u should stop reading the newspapers. Try thinking for yourself.
You might like it.
says the man reading the online news!
Hah?
Rafa likes to run a team with no interference, and has shown he can produce when left alone by owners…. But as in the cowboys, and moratti at inter Milan, also eventually the owners at Valencia interfered, it will not work. Expect roman to pile pressure on him…. Imagine guardiola…. Who would be fired after 1 draw, given the expectations on him….
It’s one dull game.So far
16.48 Torres tangles for a 50/50 with Azpil… and wins a free?!? Really, his teammate?!
An ashley Cole raping shot?
at 1744