Meath captain Aoibhin Clarey says she is focused on the Irish Football Championship after confirming her move to the AFLW.
After finishing the season with Meath, Cleary will join Richmond, becoming the first Irish woman to play for the club.
The two-time All-Ireland winner will follow her Meath team-mates Vikki Wall and Orlagh Lally in their successful AFLW career.
Despite the early start to the AFLW season, Cleary says she never had any doubts about playing for Meath.
“Playing for Meath this season was never in doubt for me and I am very grateful and truly delighted to have the opportunity to do both: spend the season here with Meath and then move to Richmond.
“I'm the first Irish girl to go to Richmond. I think there's a lot of uncertainty there. I'm definitely getting out of my comfort zone and into something new, but that also makes it a very exciting experience.
“I have nothing but positive things to say about Richmond so far. Since the offer came in, we have been in regular contact and have met a lot of the girls online. There seems to be a really great atmosphere and great relationships between the players. I am looking forward to meeting them in person.”
An amazing opportunity to play professional sport on the other side of the world. Far from home, you will feel right at home given the number of Irish players in the league.
Apart from getting advice from her teammates, defender Mita spends much of her free time getting used to the oval ball and the rules she will face in Australia.
“I'm trying to learn some skills, kicking, handball and other aspects. It's a completely different ball and a different technique. It takes time to get used to it, so I definitely need to work on that to prepare myself as best as possible before I start.”
“I used to take my dad out into the garden a lot, he was great. He would ask me a lot, like, 'Are you sure?' But yeah, he was great and we talk a lot. Mike too, my agent, I got to meet him and do some skills training sessions with him, which was great.”
Attention will soon turn to the All-Ireland group stage, where Meath will face Kildare and Armagh.
Meath surprised everyone by winning the All-Ireland title in 2021 and will go on to win another title in 2022.
According to Cleary, the team, which has overcome all the difficulties along the way, is more than capable of repeating its successes.
“That's definitely our goal and focus. We have a great management team and staff, and a great group of players. So yeah, we're just trying to reach our potential and get the best out of ourselves.
“I think it's great to have a variety of experiences. There are a few girls who were with us in 2021 and 2022, but there are also a lot of new, fresh faces who bring a lot of enthusiasm.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
