What a start to life in Australia.
Cora Staunton caught the eye on her Aussie Rules debut with Greater Western Sydney on Saturday morning. The 36-year-old Mayo legend shot two goals to help her side to a 50-point victory in a practice match against Brisbane Lions.
Staunton became the first international sportswoman to be drafted into an AFL women’s list in 2017 and she certainly got her new venture up and running in style in front of a 350-strong crowd at the WestConnex Centre.
Following the game, the four-time All-Ireland winner admitted that she found the physical side of the game difficult but was still pleased to have made some meaningful contributions:
“Yeah, it was very tough. I suppose the five 15-minutes was quite tough. A lot different to maybe what I expected.
“[It was] probably more physical and I probably wouldn’t be used to that at home. But yeah enjoyed it; plenty of things to work on, plenty of mistakes, but yeah enjoyed it.
Hear from @LadiesFootball legend @duckie15 who hit the ground running in her first game of @aflwomens.#NeverSurrender pic.twitter.com/DvCrLrzWwz
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) January 20, 2018
“I suppose it was nice to kick a goal or two and set up a few as well. But yeah it’s a good start to the season, a great team performance, we know it’s only a practice game. Round one is less than two weeks away and our focus is on that.”
“I was annoyed with myself a few times I got caught tackled when I probably should have shot or passed it off. I need to get a split second quicker with that” – and says that there is one area in particular where she is working tirelessly to better herself.”
The GWS Twitter account had the perfect response to Staunton’s impressive debut, with the following post summing up what they think of the GAA icon.
Dear @LadiesFootball,
Thank you so much for @duckie15, she’s a star. Can we keep her?
Regards,
Australian Football.She’s kicked two for the game and her last – a snap over the shoulder – was class. #NeverSurrender
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) January 20, 2018
Coach Alan McConnell echoed the sentiments in saying, “she showed us why she’s here.” We hope it continues in a similar manner for the Carnacon native.
