Australia secured a resounding victory over Ireland in the first ever AFLW game between the countries on Saturday, winning 91-41 in Sydney.With a burgeoning number of Irish players competing in the Australian Football women’s league, the AFLW confirmed an international fixture would be played ahead of the upcoming season, the two teams featuring players from Australia and Ireland respectively.Colin O’Riordan – a former Tipperary footballer who in December became the first Irish person appointed to a senior coaching role in the Australian leagues – named a 25-strong Ireland squad in June, drawing players from 13 counties who represent 12 different clubs in the AFLW.Tipperary’s Orla O’Dwyer captained Ireland in front of a 9,017 crowd at the North Sydney Oval and was among the Irish goalscorers. Fermanagh’s Bláithín Bogue registered three goals, with Nessa Dooley and Niamh McLaughlin also contributing.But the Aussies proved too strong, controlling the game and showing greater accuracy on goal. The well-supported Irish side were left battling from the off after they were hit with three Australian goals in the opening five minutes."We want to be role models for not just Aussie women but Irish women who see a pathway now to AFLW." 💚Ireland captain Orla O'Dwyer and coach Colin O’Riordan being ambassadors for the competition. pic.twitter.com/Dht0WZisgY— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) August 1, 2026