Áine McDonagh thrives in AFLW after guidance from Hawks legends
AFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 8:00 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Áine McDonagh, playing for Hawthorn in the AFLW, has improved significantly, helping her team with consistent scoring. Initially struggling with confidence upon joining the league in 2022, she benefited from mentoring by AFL veterans Luke Breust and Jack Gunston. Their guidance focused on adapting her Gaelic football skills to AFL, allowing her to regain confidence and develop her unique playing style. McDonagh's recent performance includes a standout hat-trick in a crucial match, attracting fan attention as her confidence grows.
- •Áine McDonagh scores consistently for Hawthorn in AFLW matches.
- •Struggled with confidence early in her AFLW career.
- •Received mentoring from Luke Breust and Jack Gunston.
- •Focus on adapting Gaelic football skills to AFL improved her performance.
- •McDonagh scored a hat-trick in a recent match.
- 8:00 PMAFL — The lesson from two Hawks greats that has McDonagh in rare form
"A chance encounter with two Hawthorn AFL greats paved the way for Áine McDonagh to play the blockbuster footy she's playing now
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