Kangaroos dominate Australia's AFLW squad for historic Ireland clash

Wed 24 Jun 2026 at 10:37am

Wed 24 Jun 2026 at 10:37am

In short:

Five Kangaroos players have been named in Australia's 25-strong squad to play Ireland.

Thirteen clubs have representatives in the Australian squad.

What's next?

Australia faces Ireland at North Sydney Oval on August 1.

North Melbourne has the most players of any club selected in Australia's squad for the inaugural AFLW representative match against Ireland.

The Kangaroos, winners of the past two AFLW premierships, have five players in Australia's 25-strong squad for the August 1 international in Sydney.

Their contingent features the competition's best-and-fairest winner last season, Ash Riddell, and her teammates Jasmine Garner, Emma Kearney, Libby Birch and Tahlia Randall.

Of the 18 clubs, 13 have representatives in the Australian squad.

Two-time Kangaroos premiership coach Darren Crocker will lead the hosts in the historic match at North Sydney Oval.

"We're excited by the group of players … selecting just 25 players was an enormous challenge given the depth of talent across the competition," Crocker said.

"But we believe we've put together a well-balanced squad with the experience, leadership and attributes to be more than competitive and showcase how far our game has come.

"Representing your country is a special honour and we know the players selected will embrace the opportunity."

Australian squad:

Chelsea Biddell, Libby Birch, Maeve Chaplin, Monique Conti, Sophie Conway, Harriet Cordner, Zippy Fish, Jasmine Garner, Maddison Gay, Tahlia Gillard, Tyla Hanks, Courtney Hodder, Kate Hore, Emma Kearney, Ebony Marinoff, Ellie McKenzie, Chloe Molloy, Georgie Prespakis, Tahlia Randall, Ash Riddell, Ella Roberts, Matilda Scholz, Tyanna Smith, Mim Strom, Charlie Thomas

AAP