Fremantle’s exciting Irish recruits have dominated the recent 2019 European Championships, with Kate Flood and Aine Tighe continuing to impress with the oval ball.

Just weeks ahead of the girls’ arrival to Perth, Flood and Tighe shone in a winning Irish Banshees side to take out the 2019 European Cup.

Flood was named player of the tournament, kicking six goals in the grand final to cap off a 15-goal haul across the tournament.

Tighe was named ruck of the tournament, with her tap work and kicking skills a main feature.

Fremantle signed the pair in May this year and will join the rest of Freo’s AFLW squad ahead of the 2020 pre-season.

Freo’s AFLW captain Kara Antonio kept a close eye on the tournament and offered her support online.

“I’ve been following the girls closely through social media and sending them messages of encouragement,” Antonio said. 

“I’ve been letting them know that we are all backing them in and that we’re excited to get them over here in Perth to start training with the group.

“They have obviously picked up the oval ball pretty easily if they have been able to hit the scoreboard in the way that they have.

“They are both quite quick and have a good engine on them so it will be exciting to see them slot into the team.”

Fremantle senior AFLW coach Trent Cooper lauded Flood’s impressive tournament and was pleased with her effort throughout.

“She led out really strongly, competed hard and her kicking skills are already coming along already which is really pleasing,” Cooper said.

“Kate linked up really well with Aine Tighe…so it’s good to see they are getting that chemistry together already.

“We think they will link up really well when they are over here.”

Cooper also praised Tighe for her dominant ruck display throughout the Championship.

“Aine was outstanding and she was named as ruck of the tournament,” Cooper said.

“Her tap work was first class, we know the competition wasn’t what she will be up against here but it’s exciting to have her. 

“She will be the tallest person we’ve ever had on our list and she’s already shown that she can get the ball moving in different ways, so our midfield will love that.

“Aine’s kicking skills are actually quite elite even by AFLW standards, she kicks the ball a long way…she will have a really big impact at AFLW level.”