Amy Boyle-Carr will be an  AFLW  star at Adelaide Crows says Niamh McLaughlin

Niamh McLaughlin says Amy Boyle-Carr has all the attributes to be an instant hit as the Glenties girl’s Aussie Rules odyssey gets set to begin. 

Donegal captain McLaughlin hit the ground running in the AFLW last season as she starred for The Gold Coast Suns. 

The Moville native departs for Australia next Thursday while Donegal teammate Boyle-Carr jetted off Wednesday morning to join up with her new team for pre-season. 

Boyle-Carr has signed for The Adelaide Crows, the former club of another Donegal player, Yvonne Bonner. 

And with last term’s experience to gauge from, McLaughlin anticipates Boyle-Carr’s transition to the oval ball being close to seamless. 

“Amy is very athletic, she glides across the ground and I’d say the Crows looked at Amy and that wing position, they call it the ‘run and carry’ and that will really suit her. 

“She has that drop of the shoulder and ability to carry possession. The teams she’s joining, they are very smart and a good footballing team. 

“So even her soccer background - from a tactical sense and seeing things on the pitch - it’s a really good fit. 

“Niamh Kelly, another Irish girl from Mayo, is at the same club so that will be good company as well”. 

In regards to her own second term Down Under, McLaughlin says knowing what’s in front of her this time out means she’s excited to be returning to the pro ranks of Australian Rules football. 

“Aye - it’s definitely different. I was really grateful for the little break in between finishing up with Donegal and heading off now to Australia. 

“And you’re that wee bit more comfortable because you know the environment you’re stepping back into. It’s exciting and I’m looking forward to getting back into it”. 

Robert Emmets’ Tanya Kennedy also had a superb 2023 at the Sydney Swans and is once again back on board there. 

McLaughlin and Boyle-Carr also depart safe in the knowledge that Donegal’s SFC status has been retained after their recent relegation/promotion semi-final play-off win over Kildare. 

“That was huge, crucial. It’s where you want to play. We’ve been there for a while now and it’s important for the squad’s development going forward. So it’s all positive”.  

The new AFLW season gets underway on August 30.