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The AFLW’s Australia v Ireland fixture in Sydney put a spotlight on Irish talent — and on Mayo native Dayna Finn, whose partner travelled from Galway to watch her play. The match reinforced the growing ties between Irish players and the AFLW while giving Finn a rare moment on an international stage.
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The NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland game took place at North Sydney Oval on Saturday, August 1, assembling established stars and rising players for a one-off representative clash. Australia won the contest 91–41.
Organisers billed the fixture as a celebration of the connection between the AFLW and Ireland. Since the league began in 2017, Irish recruits have become a notable presence in the competition.
From Mayo roots to Carlton selection
Finn comes from a sporting family. Her parents, Bernie McGrath and John Finn, both played for Mayo, and Dayna herself wore the county jersey in 2017.
She joined AFL club Carlton in Melbourne after receiving an invitation in 2023 and was named in the squad for the Australia v Ireland match. Finn has also described taking up the sport only in recent years, a detail she has acknowledged alongside her rapid rise.
Support from home — and a cross-county connection
Her partner, Robert Finnerty, a familiar name to GAA followers, flew to Australia to be with her. He travelled after Dublin ended Galway’s championship run, and has spent time in Melbourne while Finn prepares for one of the biggest matches of her AFLW career.
The couple met when Finn returned home two Christmases ago while playing with Salthill. As she told EVOKE, “My dad and his dad played for Mayo together, which is gas.”
Homesickness, a short-term plan and visits from family
Despite adapting to life in Australia, Finn admits she feels homesick at times. She says she has signed for the current year and the following season, and will reassess her plans afterwards. “I wouldn’t settle here for sure,” she has said.
Visits from home are already scheduled. Finn expects her dad might attend the Ireland match, her closest friends arrive in August, and her mother and brother plan to visit in late September — a steady stream of support while she plays abroad.
