Staunton playing in the recent All-Ireland ladies football final. Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

CORA STAUNTON HAS made the move to the Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW).

The legendary Mayo forward signs a professional contract with Greater Western Sydney Giants as one of six new faces to the team following Wednesday’s AFLW draft.

34-year-old Staunton won four All-Irelands and three National Football Leagues with her native county, while picking up 10 All-Stars. She is also a talented soccer and rugby player — representing the Mayo Ladies League and Castlebar Ladies rugby team in the past.

“Cora Staunton is probably the surprise package of the selections in the draft,” Giants coach Alan McConnell said.

Cora comes from an elite background of football in Ireland and has been nominated 10 times as an All Star in GAA women’s competition. She recently played in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park in front of 46,000 people, unfortunately losing.

Be part

of the team Access exclusive podcasts, interviews and analysis with a monthly or annual membership. Become a Member

“She’s a goal-kicking forward, so we’re looking for her to bring some goal-kicking power to our team as a deep forward.”

Fellow Mayo star Sarah Rowe has also been linked with a similar move over the past week.

Subscribe to The42 podcasts here: