The Brisbane Lions AFLW side are excited to announce the signing of Irish rookie Neasa Dooley on a two-year deal ahead of the 2025 AFLW Season.
Recruited from Kildare, Dooley plays predominately as a forward in Gaelic Football, with her size and speed playing a key role in her ability to hit the scoreboard.
The 23-year-old comes to AFLW with strong pedigree, winning the All-Ireland Intermediate championship, Leinster Championship and Division 3 League all in 2023.
“I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Lions team next season,” Dooley said.
“It’s been a dream of mine for some time now to go play in Australia so to get to experience that with a top team like Brisbane is going to be a surreal moment for me.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Club and the culture built around the team.
“I’m really excited to get over there for pre-season, meet my teammates and coaches and try my best to hit the ground running and enjoying every moment of it.”
Dooley’s athleticism mirrors that of her Irish counterparts Orla O’Dwyer and Jennifer Dunne, something which caught the eye of Lions AFLW Senior coach, Craig Starcevich.
Spotted by Starcevich on a trip to Ireland he noted her game style mirrored many of the qualities of the current squad.
“We are really excited to bring Neasa onboard next season and she’ll add to our already very proud Irish contingent across both the women’s and men’s programs,” Starcevich said.
“Her willingness to break lines, take the game on, and her strong kicking skills are areas which excites us as a coaching group and definitely something we look for from the playing group.
“She’ll be a great addition to our group and with Orla and Jen now established in Australia we are sure that the transition should be smooth.”
Dooley with become the fifth Irish player across both programs at the Lions joining O’Dwyer and Dunne on the AFLW list and Conor McKenna and Darragh Joyce on the AFL list.
