Mairead Seoighe will swap the round ball for the oval ball, after signing with the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos.

Identified through the ‘Cross-Coders’ program, the Irish recruit plays in the top flight of Gaelic Football in Ireland, the same competition as other established AFLW players in Cora Staunton (GWS Giants), Yvonne Bonner (GWS Giants) and Sarah Rowe (Collingwood).

At 171cm, Seoighe is currently playing for Galway Ladies and will provide a different edge to the team next season.

“We think Mairead will adapt to the competition quite quickly,” North list manager Rhys Harwood said.

“She’s a natural front-half player over in Ireland, but we think her speed and power will allow her to be quite versatile in the AFLW. We will work with her on where her attributes can be put to best use for us.

“Mairead has demonstrated an exciting ability to move across the Gaelic field, and combined with her size and strength, we think she has the attributes to make a successful transition to AFLW.

“She’s already tried her hand with the oval ball, being named captain of the team of the Series for the West Clare Waves in the ARFLI (Australian Rules Football League of Ireland Women) last season.”

North has signed 24 players for season 2020 (22 senior and 2 rookies), with 6 spots remaining.