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

[ad_1] No stranger to the massive 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 successful streak, are in search of a fourth-straight grand ultimate berth.

The 'unrelenting' underdogs enjoying of their sixth straight prelim The Brisbane Lions secured a spot of their sixth consecutive preliminary with a win over Melbourne on the weekend. But with North Melbourne's dominance, the Queenslanders are "underdogs" within the race for the flag as soon as once more.

Dooley is one in all 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 successful the All-Eire Soccer Championship in entrance of 45,000 at Croke Park.

"That was fairly cool," Dooley mentioned of the largest stage in Gaelic soccer.

"Loads of Irish ladies have come over and I would been following just a few … Orla was one of many first and Jenn, who had a very profitable first 12 months right here.

"Then the chance got here up.

"They've instructed me concerning the perks of enjoying 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 12 months will assist safe an AFLW extension past her present two-year contract.

"To play an expert sport in a good looking nation, it isn't a possibility you wish to hand over," she mentioned.

"So for those who get the possibility, you are 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 take a look at them once more on our residence 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 shall 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.