To go to the other side of the world and thrive in a new sport is something many athletes would struggle to do, but that's exactly what Áine McDonagh has done.
The Galway footballer, who has also played basketball for NUIG Mystics, has 10 goals in eight games for AFLW side Hawthron, in only her second season in Australia.
While Áine admits this young side is very much developing, a big part of their progress has been seen in the Galway women. Speaking to Breakingnews, she claims the work she put in following her first season has been shown in her performances in this campaign.
"I think it was just about getting more comfortable with the game. Last year, I had only come out six weeks before the season started, and then I had a bit of an injury so then I missed the opening games. I felt like I was just turning water last year, just doing what I can to stay afloat.
"This year, I took the off season pretty hard and concentrated on getting my skills up, my fitness up, everything that was controllable. I feel a lot more comfortable this year in different situations because I put myself into them more a good bit in the off season so not much has taken me surprise compared to last year."
Since she was 20, McDonagh was asked about her interest in AFLW. As the years went on, and more Irish players were successful in the sport, the Galway woman believed she could succeed in the sport.
After meetings with numerous clubs, Hawthorn was her destination, with Mayo's Aileen Gilroy also making the move to the club. While she admits it took some time to settle in Australia, McDonagh was encouraged by the success of fellow Irish players.
"It eases you into the competition for sure. When you see Niamh Kelly flying it for Adelaide, Orla O'Dwyer getting an All-Australian, Sarah Rowe and Cora Staunton, and Sinead Goldrick winning a Premiership last year.
"When you see all them, and see how well they are doing, it gives you that sense of I can play as well and fit into a team. Having Aileen at Hawthorn has been great for me to get settled into the club.
"When you are learning a new sport and all this different terminology, even the way we think is quite different to the they think in terms of games and structure. In the game, when I look at Aileen and see what she is about to do with the ball, I can read her a lot easier than a lot of the girls, just in terms of how GAA players play.
"Seeing everyone else, it is inspiring, it is also what you want to try and become and reach their heights in the next year or two."
In a year when Ladies football was under the spotlight for the wrong reasons, Áine has been able to experience what life is like for a professional athlete.
With over 30 Irish inter-county players involved with AFLW teams, this is a lifestyle that many players have got used to, and one which is very different to that of an inter-county player.
Financial security, additional coaching, promotion of the game and player welfare are all issues that have been raised in the women's game, and are all being delivered in Australia, which Áine believes the GAA could learn from.
"I think at home, it has been quite reluctant to show what the girls can do, but the women's game at home is flying at the moment, the talent out there is crazy.
"I think the talent at home is probably a lot highter than the talent here. This game is obviously quite young and still developing, there is girls here who only picked up the game in their early 20s or late teens. At home, everyone has been kicking a football sine they were four-years-old.
"They are not asking for a lot. They are asking for a pitch, consistent training nights, getting fed after games, getting their fuel covered if they are travelling different counties for games. It really is the bare minimum thry are asking for.
"They are asking to be subsidised for all the commitment they are giving into this that they are not being paid for.
With the success Irish players have had, the number of players exported to Australia is unlikely to stop. Getting paid to play a sport, without the stress of facilities and welfare with sunshine, is too good to turn down for many.
For players like Áine there is not a lot keeping some of Ireland's best athletes in the country.
"Here, there is really not much we have to ask for. Everything is prided for us, we never really have to go too far without anything being given to us.
"The draw of being able to live in Australia and being paid to play a game, I think it is very hard not to, especially the way they are treated at home.
"The men are treated quite a lot better than the women at home, so there is more of an incentive to stay at home. With the women's there isn't much keeping them at home. If you are being given the opportunity out here and you are being offered a salary and the nice weather, it is very hard to turn it down.
While all her focus is on Hawthorn, Áine hasn't forgot about her home country.
Many players put themselves through the championship season and then the AFLW players, including the likes of Jennifer Dunne, who was key to Dublin's All-Ireland victory before her transfer to Brisbane.
Two seasons in one year hasn't been on Áine's mind as of now, but would be open to a return.
"I definitely would love to go back and play with Galway at some stage for sure. Even though this is a great opportunity and many girls are taking it, I don't think anyone dreamed growing up of playing with an AFL club.
"The love is definitely still there, I would be up for having conversations in the future. Just the way the seasons are running at the minute, it would be qute hard to get both in."
