The Essendon Football Club has secured Irish talent Emma Dineen with Pick No.3 in the Telstra AFLW Pre-Season Draft.

Currently based in Dublin, the 26-year-old is an All-Ireland Senior Champion and brings six years of senior inter-county experience, having competed in Division One with Kerry.

Dineen is known for her explosive movement and strong presence aerially, complemented by a reliable dual-sided kick and an ability to read the ball in flight.

With a high running capacity, Dineen has the abiltiy to play a dynamic forward role to compliment Essendon’s AFLW list.

AFLW List and Recruiting Manager Josh Moore expressed the Club’s excitement about Dineen’s arrival at the NEC Hangar and the impact she can make.

“We’re thrilled to bring Emma over from Ireland and welcome her into our  AFLW program,” Moore said.

“Her experience as a high performing athlete will be valuable as we continue to build towards the season.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Emma and her partner to the NEC Hangar in the coming days as preparations ramp up for pre-season.”

The 2026 AFLW pre-season will commence on Monday May 11.