Australia too strong for Ireland in historic AFLW clash
Australia defeated Ireland in the first-ever women's international Aussie Rules football match held at North Sydney Oval. The Australian team dominated the scoring throughout the game, securing a decisive victory in the historic clash.
Why it matters
This match marks a significant milestone in the international expansion and professionalization of women's Australian Rules football.
Australia powered past Ireland at North Sydney Oval on Saturday morning to win the first ever women's Aussie Rules clash between the countries.
The Aussies clocked up 13 goals (each one worth six points) and 13 wides (each worth a point) in a ruthless showing. Ireland had their moments, and some strong individual performances, but they were out of arm's reach for most of this contest.
In 2006, Ireland played Australia at Kingspan Breffni and Parnell Park in a women's international rules series with the rules closer to the men's compromise matches. This was the first meeting in the classic Aussie Rules format.
Led by former Tipperary footballer Colin O'Riordan, who became the first Irish-born senior coach in AFL/AFLW history when he took over the Swans women's team ahead of the 2026 season, Ireland had a squad of 25 players, all of them active in the AFLW.
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