Dublin midfielder Lauren Magee has become the latest Irish player to make the move to the AFLW.
The three-time All Ireland winner has signed for Melbourne FC for the 2021 season, joining team-mates Sinéad Goldrick and Niamh McEvoy.
Magee, Goldrick and McEvoy will become the first trio from the same county to represent a club in the AFLW.
Another Dub to the Dees. 🇮🇪
Welcome to our newest Irish recruit, @Lauren_MageeR!
📝: https://t.co/M8oqm9iQUO— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) August 20, 2020
The Kilmacud Crokes midfielder, who won an All-Star Award in 2018 is looking forward to a new challenge.
"It’s an incredible experience to be given the opportunity to play AFLW, especially for a club like Melbourne that has a close connection to Dublin GAA," the 23-year-old told Melbourne Media.
"I decided to pursue AFLW as a personal challenge, to learn a new game and its skills.
"I really respect the game and to train and play at a professional level is something I’m extremely grateful for."
Magee also admitted that McEvoy and Goldrick played a big role in making the switch.
"They have definitely been a huge influence on my decision to go to Melbourne.
"Listening to them speak about their experience with the club is inspiring and so positive, and it makes the prospect of moving so far away much easier for me.
"I was following all their games last year, so can’t wait to be training with them once my Dublin season is over."
AFLW list manager Todd Patterson added: "It’s really exciting for us to be able to sign Lauren and have her join our women’s program.
"Lauren is an explosive and aggressive player, who has had a very successful career for Dublin over a long period of time.
"She is really invested in learning the game and has already shown great improvement in the time that we have known her.
"Lauren is a really exciting prospect for our program and our club."
Magee will link up with Melbourne after this season's All-Ireland Senior Ladies championship.
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