The AFLW has today announced that Maddison Gay will represent Australia in the league’s first-ever representative match against Ireland.

The historic clash will take place on Saturday, 1 August at North Sydney Oval, with Gay joining some of the competition’s brightest stars in the green and gold.

The Club is also proud to announce that AFLW Assistant Coach and Head of Development Ben Brown has been appointed as an Assistant Coach for the Australian side. Also representing Club staff at the game for Australia will be Oscar Taylor (Trainer), and for Ireland, Megan Smith (Physio) and Lauren Spark (Player Development Manager).

General Manager of AFLW Aysha Ward highlighted the significance of the selections for both the Club and the competition.

“We’re thrilled to have Maddison Gay representing Australia. It’s a truly special opportunity to wear your country’s colours and we couldn’t be prouder of this achievement,” Ward said.

“To also have Ben, Oscar, Megan and Lauren step into roles for the match is a testament to the impact they have at the Club. We’re excited to see them all share their experience and insights on the representative stage.”

Ready to take the field, Gay emphasised the honour of representing Australia in this historic occasion.

“To wear the green and gold alongside so many talented players is something I’m really proud of and excited for.”

Brown said he was honoured to be involved in such a significant moment for the AFLW.

“It’s a privilege to be part of the AFLW’s first representative match and to help showcase the incredible talent within the competition,” Brown said.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside the coaching group and supporting the players as they represent Australia on the international stage.”

The match will be played under Australian Football rules, using a classic Sherrin football, and will mark the first AFLW representative fixture since the one-off contest between Victoria and the Allies in 2017.
 
Tickets for the 2026 NAB AFLW Australian v Ireland match go on sale today, Wednesday 24 June, via Ticketmaster.
 
Club and AFL members will have access from 10am AEST, before the general public at 12pm AEST.
 
Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for youth (aged 15 – 17), $5 for children (14 and under), while a family of four can attend for $50.
 
The match will start at 4:15pm AEST on Saturday, 1 August and will be broadcast live nationally on Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, Kayo Freebies and Binge.
 
For more information, visit AUSVIRL.AFL.