Aishling Moloney has been selected to represent Ireland in the blockbuster AFLW match against Australia in August, with the Cats forward set to spearhead the Irish attack at North Sydney Oval. 

The representative honour is well-deserved recognition for Moloney, aptly highlighting her meteoric rise in the AFLW as one of the best forwards in the competition. 

Moloney was announced among the first wave of Irish players selected on Sunday, while fellow Cats star Georgie Prespakis has been named in the Australian squad. 

A talented Gaelic footballer from County Tipperary in Ireland, Moloney was recruited by Geelong ahead of the 2023 AFLW season and quickly showed the skill, athleticism and goal sense at her disposal. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 05: Aishling Moloney of the Cats celebrates kicking a goal during the AFLW Round 8 match between Geelong Cats and Carlton Blues at GMHBA Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)

In her first season with the Cats, the Irish sensation kicked 10 goals from 13 games and played an instrumental role throughout the year, helping Geelong to win their first two Finals matches and reaching a Preliminary Final. 

Moloney's instant impact received external recognition, when she received the 2023 AFL Players' Best First Year Player Award. 

That was only the beginning as the Irish star took her game to another level in 2024, kicking 21 goals from 11 games to win the AFLW's goal-kicking award, while also earning selection in her first All-Australian team. 

The highlight of the year came in the penultimate game of the regular season, when Moloney kicked a career-high six goals on the road against West Coast to steer the Cats to victory. 

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Aishling Moloney 2024 All-Australian Highlights

After a record-breaking 21 goal season, Aishling Moloney has been named at centre half forward in the 2024 AFLW All-Australian Team.

2025 proved to be another consistent year for Moloney, as she hit the scoreboard in all bar two games to finish with 17 goals for the season, continuing to be a standout for Geelong and the primary target inside forward 50. 

The 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match will be played under Australian Football Rules, with a classic Sherrin football.

The match will start at 4.15pm AEST and will be broadcast exclusively live around the country on Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, Kayo Freebies and Binge.

More details, including coaches, squads, ticketing information and further broadcast information, will be announced in due course.