Emma Dineen is the latest ladies football talent to try her hand at Aussie Rules.

The Kerry star joins Essendon after being selected as Pick No. 3 in the AFLW Pre-Season Draft. Aged 26, Dineen scored a goal as Kerry ended a 31-year wait for Brendan Martin Cup honours at Galway’s expense two years ago.

Her arrival at the Bombers comes after Offaly youngster Cillian Bourke made his debut for the Melbourne club against Williamstown in the Victorian Football League (VFL), which is the second-tier competition operated by the Australian Football League (AFL), on Saturday.

AFLW List and Recruiting Manager Josh Moore expressed Essendon’s excitement about Dineen’s arrival at the NEC Hangar and the impact she can make.

“We’re thrilled to bring Emma over from Ireland and welcome her into our AFLW program,” Moore said.

“Her experience as a high performing athlete will be valuable as we continue to build towards the season. We’re looking forward to welcoming Emma and her partner to the NEC Hangar in the coming days as preparations ramp up for pre-season.”

The 2026 AFLW pre-season commences next Monday.

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