After making the decision to move to Perth in 2022 and transition from Gaelic football in Ireland, 23-year-old Orlagh Lally now has 28 AFLW games under her belt, and a home away from home in Fremantle.

Lally spoke to SEN WA’s Mark Duffield on Tuesday morning and detailed how special it is every time she gets to pull on the purple jumper.

“Gaelic is a bit different (to AFLW) – you play for the Club you’re from, so there’s no trading (or) changing teams,” Lally said to Duffield.

“So, we’re quite patriotic and proud of where we come from, which I’m very glad to have as well because when I came over here, I was able to bring that pride and love for the jumper, so I’ve really made a good connection with Freo.”

The midfielder credited teammate Gabby O’Sullivan for making the initial transition an easier period for her.

“It's not long before you make that little community for yourself and I suppose I’ve been very lucky coming over and getting to live in the house with Gabby O’Sullivan - she took me in under her wing,” Lally said.

“It was definitely hard saying goodbye to my family for that length of time, but in the long run I know it will be worth it.

“Freo are now my family for the minute.”

Having transitioned from the forward line into a midfielder, Lally touched on the new challenge and highlighted the importance of playing any role required for the team.

“Getting to learn the role of a winger – it’s definitely a tough position and it took a while to get used to, but I just really enjoyed and embraced the challenge,” Lally said.

“It’s the type of role where you can either see loads of the ball or you might not see it at all depending on which side of the oval it’s on, but for me any role I can play, I’ll play.

“I think that’s also what’s really special about this team – whether it’s for the likes of Áine – she might not be able to play her role on the field, but she’s absolutely playing a huge role for us on the sidelines and constantly being the best she can be to be the best for the team.

“For me, I have the same mentality, so it’s just perfecting that role and being the best I can, to try and help the team out.”

As Fremantle look ahead to this Saturday’s home elimination final against Essendon, Lally reflected on the team’s growth under Lisa Webb, and what the mentality will be heading into the match.

“Being able to see how we’ve grown from let’s say round 1 or even last year is really important for us,” Lally said.

“When you can see those bits of growth, it really seems like a sense of achievement.

“Round 1 we played Essendon, but I think each team in the AFLW grows throughout the season, so the team that started round 1 isn’t necessarily the same outfit that’s going to be in (finals).

“For us, it’s just making sure we prep as best as we can and definitely not to underestimate Essendon and what they’re capable of.

“It’s going to be a big fight on Saturday, but we’re definitely up for it.”

Tickets are on-sale via Ticketmaster, with adults $15, and under 18 go free.