THERE WAS A considerable Irish influence as Greater Western Sydney Giants made a winning start to the new Australian Football League Women’s season.
Mayo’s Cora Staunton and Cork’s Bríd Stack both featured for the Giants as they recorded a 36-21 victory against Gold Coast Suns.
While making a two-goal contribution, 40-year-old Staunton became the oldest player in AFLW history.
It was also a significant occasion for Stack, as the 35-year-old made a long-awaited debut which was delayed by the serious neck injury she sustained last year.
Elsewhere, Sarah Rowe and Aishling Sheridan chipped in with a goal apiece to Collingwood’s 44-25 triumph over Carlton.
Orla O’Dwyer featured prominently for the Brisbane Lions in their 39-9 defeat to Adelaide Crows, for whom Ailish Considine was absent.
Today’s AFLW results
- Adelaide Crows 39 (6.3) – Brisbane Lions 9 (1.3)
- Carlton 25 (3.7) – Collingwood 44 (6.8)
- Gold Coast Suns 21 (3.3) – Greater Western Sydney Giants 36 (5.6)