MELBOURNE will welcome further Irish talent to its list, securing Gaelic footballer Blaithin Mackin for the upcoming AFL Women’s season.

Mackin, who represents Armagh in Ladies Gaelic Football (LGFA), will add to the Demons’ rich history, becoming the first player from the county to sign with the club.

The 23-year-old joins Dublin star Sinead Goldrick in pulling on the red and blue later this year, following the conclusion of their 2022 Championship season.

AFLW list manager Todd Patterson said he was thrilled to be welcoming the athletic talent to Melbourne. 

“Blaithin is a very exciting prospect for us to bring over and develop, post the conclusion of her Armagh season,” he told Melbourne Media.

“We are really open minded as to where she will settle on the field however, she does look to have some natural instincts suited to the forward half.

“Blaithin comes from a great GAA family with numerous siblings that have helped develop her into a very impressive young woman.”

Mackin, who achieved an All-Star Award in 2020 – the equivalent of AFL’s All Australian Award – is set to bring a great mixture of speed and composure.

She has silky skills with the round ball, as well as an eye for goal, and will be looking to fast-track her development at AFLW level.

Patterson said Mackin will also benefit from Goldrick’s experiences to date.

“It’ll be great having Blaithin learn the game, not only from our group but also Sinead, who now has a couple of seasons under her belt,” he said.

“We’re confident this will set Blaithin up well for this season and beyond.”

Mackin’s opportunity comes after the Dees placed the experienced Rhi Watt on the inactive list, with her ACL injury ruling her out of next season.

It tops off an active player movement period for Melbourne, who also welcomed Jordan Ivey and Charlotte Wilson to the club, while retaining 24 players from last season’s list.