Just ten days out from the start of the 2024 AFLW season, Blaithin Bogue has hit the ground running on the training track and made a strong impression on her North Melbourne Kangaroos coaches. The Fermanagh star, who was memorably serenaded to some hilarious carpool karaoke from new Irish AFLW teammates Erika O’Shea and Niamh Martin, and Australia Ella Slocombe on her arrival on August 11, has proved she is a quick learner and is doing everything possible to earn her AFLW debut away to reigning premiers, the Brisbane Lions, in a 2023 Grand Final rematch on Sunday week.

The Tempo Maguires woman, who signed a two-year contract for last year’s Grand Final runners-up, could earn big bucks if she decides to remain in AFLW. Last year AFLW players received a 29 per cent pay rise, which resulted in a pay rise to $AUD60,000 (£31,000) up from $AUD46,000 (£23,800). AFLW players’ salaries will rise to $AUD82,000 (£42,400) by 2027. This translates to total AFLW total player payments of over $AUD32.3million (£16.7million).

AFLW: A Growing Opportunity for Irish Athletes

There are around three dozen Irish women on the books of AFLW clubs this year, which is a record, but there are no guarantees that the status quo will remain in the future. New AFLW general manager Emma Moore recently stated that her immediate priority is to establish a concrete date for AFLW seasons from next year. The current schedule runs from August to November with last year’s Grand Final in early December.

The Potential for a Scheduling Clash

Irish AFLW players have taken advantage of the opportunity to play in the GAA without any restrictions on their availability during AFLW off-seasons, but a potential change of date could result in the two codes clashing on the calendar. A shift in the AFLW season could potentially impact the scheduling of GAA fixtures, leading to scheduling conflicts for Irish athletes who are involved in both codes.

Blaithin's Journey: From Fermanagh Fields to AFLW

While a potential scheduling change remains a concern, it is clear that the AFLW offers a lucrative and exciting opportunity for Irish athletes like Blaithin. This opportunity has attracted many Irish women to the league, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. Blaithin, with her athletic traits and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, is a testament to the growing talent pool of Irish players making waves in the AFLW.

A Promising Future for Irish Athletes

With a rapidly growing league and a strong emphasis on player development, the future of AFLW appears bright. The league’s commitment to investing in its players is evident in the substantial salary increases in recent years. As the league continues to expand and attract more talent, it is likely that we will see even more Irish athletes making their mark in the sport. The potential scheduling conflicts with GAA may need to be addressed, but overall, the AFLW offers a promising future for Irish athletes looking to make a name for themselves in a global sport. The league has created a platform for talented Irish women, like Blaithin, to achieve their dreams on the field.