Melbourne’s AFLW captain Kate Hore has been selected to represent Australia in the 2026 AFLW Australia vs Ireland match, to be played at North Sydney Oval on August 1.
Hore was named in the first group of the Australian squad announced today, with the remainder of the team to be confirmed shortly.
As Hore prepares for her 10th season in the red and blue, this selection adds another honour to an already decorated portfolio. The Demons captain is a three-time Melbourne best and fairest winner, three-time All Australian and claimed the AFLW leading goalkicker award in 2023.
Hore has also been Melbourne’s leading goalkicker on four occasions, won AFLW Goal of the Year in 2020 and played a key leadership role as vice-captain in the club’s AFLW Premiership in 2022.
Hore was then appointed as captain ahead of the 2023 season, leading the side through five finals across two campaigns.
The match marks the return of representative football in AFLW since 2017, bringing together some of Australia’s and Ireland’s best AFLW talent. Players from across the competition have been selected to represent both nations.
Irish players continue to make a significant impact on the AFLW, with 46 players currently spread across all 18 clubs, playing an increasingly important role in shaping the competition.
Tickets for the match will go on sale via Ticketmaster on Wednesday, June 24. Club and AFL members will receive priority access from 10:00am AEST, with general public tickets available from 12:00pm AEST.
The match will commence at 4:15pm AEST and be broadcast live nationally on Fox Footy, Kayo Sports, Kayo Freebies and Binge.
