Echo Women in Sport award winner Erika O'Shea delivered down under again
Erika O'Shea with her family on the night she won the Australian AFLW Grand Final
The impressive Aussie Rules football career of Cork woman Erika O’Shea continues to reach new heights.
At the end of November, O’Shea became a two-time AFLW Premiership winner as her North Melbourne side successfully defended their crown and this win sees her chosen as the Echo Women In Sport award winner for November.
She played a crucial role as North Melbourne recorded a 56-16 Grand Final victory over the Brisbane Lions in front of what was a capacity crowd of 12,741 at Ikon Park.
O’Shea has been playing with North Melbourne during what has been a very successful period in the history of the club, who have now won 27 matches in a row and are unbeaten since 2023.
North Melboure are the first side to claim back-to-back AFLW Premierships.
O’Shea is a vital cog in a well-oiled machine and a team who continue to raise the bar for Women's Australian Rules Football. On top of securing another Premiership medal, the Grand Final was a landmark one for O’Shea, becoming the first Irish player from North Melbourne to reach the 50th game milestone.
Her achievements and impressive season have been recognised by her being chosen as The Echo Women In Sport award winner for the month of November.
“It means the world to me. We had a plan going into the Grand Final and we absolutely nailed it from the get-go,” O’Shea said.
“In the preliminary final the previous week against Melbourne Demons, we were a bit nervous, but that really poised us for the Grand Final against Brisbane.
“Darren Crocker, North Melbourne manager, and our coaches planned things so well.
"I think we executed our best game-plan, which is so exciting because we have been growing all year.
“Winning back-to-back Premierships is an absolutely amazing achievement and it is a testament to everyone at the club.”
On the week of the successful Grand Final, the Macroom native signed a contract extension committing to North Melbourne until the end of the 2027 AFLW season.
O'Shea has had a significant impact since joining North Melbourne in 2022, when she was the youngest ever Irish recruit in the AFLW. Since then, she has become a key player in the North Melbourne backline.
O’Shea’s speed, physicality and ball use have helped her become a focal point to the system of play implemented by the team.
“Making the move over to Australia from Cork is a big one. Being away from your family and friends most of the year can be challenging, but winning Premierships makes it all worthwhile.
“Everyone at North Melbourne Football Club has become my second family. I am so grateful to have been able to contribute and play my part in the success of this team.”
In the Grand Final, O’Shea showed her talents and athletic ability, shutting down several Brisbane counter-attacks with her speed.
There was a strong Irish and Cork support at the Grand Final in Melbourne, including family members of O’Shea.
Erika is quick to outline the significant role her family, in particular parents Maria and John, in helping her achieve her sporting dreams.
“It was amazing to have my family at the Grand Final. Being away from home can be really hard and having my family there was really special.
"I would not be where I am without my parents and my family.”
Her pace has proved key in helping North Melbourne transition from defence into attack.
O’Shea has continued to improve in Aussie Rules and make further progress over the coming years.
The 23-year-old was a ladies football All-Star in 2021, having also featured in the 2020 All-Ireland final, when Cork lost to Dublin in Croke Park.
O’Shea was talented at basketball too and was involved with Glanmire’s all-conquering Women’s Super League squad under the guidance of Mark Scannell in 2022.
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