“We can’t wait to work with them.”
Footballer of The Year Vikki Wall and young Cork star Erika O’Shea have been signed by AFLW side, North Melbourne.
Wall had been previously linked with several clubs, including the Hawthorns, but has agreed a deal with the Kangaroos instead.
The good news for Meath, is that it is likely the move won’t happen until after this year’s All-Ireland campaign.
Eamonn Murray, who managed the Royal County to glory last year, was very outspoken and critical of players choosing to make the move abroad, claiming that the sport “has no skill.”
However, it doesn’t seem to have changed the mind of his best player, and the 24-year-old looks set to go.
AFLW talent and performance manager Rhys Harwood, did an interview with the club website, and details his excitement around the signing.
“Vikki is a player we’ve been keen to get to North Melbourne for a while, and she obviously had a great deal of interest from AFLW clubs. We’re delighted that she’s committed to playing at North.
“Vikki is a highly credentialed player whose work-rate and desire set her apart. We’ve been really impressed with her power and speed, as well as the intensity and physicality she plays with.
“The impact she has on games with Meath is outstanding, her ability to create attacking opportunities and break the game open in Gaelic are significant. She has a number of assets we think will allow her to become a highly impactful player in AFLW.”
Erika O’Shea is only 19-years-old, but her two seasons at senior level with the Rebels have been hugely impressive.
The Cork player was named on last year’s All-Star team, and now looks set to join her Meath rival in sunny Oz.
“We’ve been really impressed with the traits and impact Erika has shown with Cork. Her speed, agility and ability to cover the ground stand out, as well as her capacity to find a balance between defending and attacking in Gaelic and we think her attributes will give her scope to play through a variety of positions for us,” he stated.
“At just 19 years of age, Erika has plenty of upside and is a player who we feel can grow with us over a period of time. She can’t wait to arrive in Melbourne and begin her journey.
“Erika’s work ethic and drive to get the best out of herself will serve her well as she transitions across to AFLW. To have achieved an All-Star team selection at her age is particularly impressive, and speaks to her level of talent.
“We are delighted to have both Vikki and Erika come into our program, and we can’t wait to work with them over the coming seasons.”
