Big-stage Dooley wants to add to Lions’ Irish legacy

No stranger to the large stage, Brisbane’s Neasa Dooley desires a chunk of what her fellow Irish imports have been promoting.

The primary AFLW recruit from Kildare debuted in spherical two and has performed each sport since for the Lions, who will host Carlton in Saturday’s preliminary ultimate.

The 2-time premiers, on an eight-game profitable streak, are searching for a fourth-straight grand ultimate berth.

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Dooley is certainly one of 39 Irish abilities within the league, together with teammates Orla O’Dwyer and Jenn Dune.

Dooley was scouted within the flesh by spectating Lions coach Craig Starcevich on the 2023 Leinster Championship earlier than profitable the All-Eire Soccer Championship in entrance of 45,000 at Croke Park.

“That was fairly cool,” Dooley stated of the most important stage in Gaelic soccer.

“Loads of Irish women have come over and I might been following a number of … Orla was one of many first and Jenn, who had a extremely profitable first yr right here.

“Then the chance got here up.

“They’ve informed me concerning the perks of taking part in in a grand ultimate and that is going to entice you.

“Nevertheless it’s a sport everybody desires to win and get to.”

The Irish All-Star was working full-time as a physiotherapist earlier than her transfer however hopes her spectacular rookie yr will assist safe an AFLW extension past her present two-year contract.

“To play an expert sport in a phenomenal nation, it isn’t a possibility you wish to quit,” she stated.

“So for those who get the prospect, you’re taking it.

“We had a little bit of a rocky begin and Carlton has gotten higher since (the round-three loss), however so have we.

“We’re peaking on the proper time and wish to check them once more on our house floor.”

Standing within the Lions’ manner of one other grand ultimate is Carlton.

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The Lions have been defeated by the Blues of their final assembly again in spherical three, with Irish pair Erone Fitzpatrick and Dayna Finn that includes prominently in Carlton’s semifinal win over Hawthorn final weekend.

Each AFLW preliminary finals will probably be performed on Saturday.

Undefeated minor premiers North Melbourne will play Melbourne Demons at Princes Park within the Victorian capital, with the match starting at 3:05pm AEDT.

The Lions will host the Blues at Springfield from 7:35pm AEDT.

AAP