Erika O'Shea (born 26 June 2002) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the North Melbourne Football Club in the AFL Women's (AFLW). She has previously played for Macroom and County Cork in the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association.[1]

Erika O'Shea
Personal information
Full name Erika O'Shea
Born (2002-06-26) 26 June 2002 (age 23)
Ireland
Original teams Macroom (Cork GAA)
County Cork (LGFA)
Debut Round 1, 2022 (S7), North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast, at Bellerive Oval
Height 181 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Position Medium defender
Club information
Current club North Melbourne
Number 14
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2022 (S7)– North Melbourne 50 (1)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2025.
Career highlights
Source: AustralianFootball.com

AFL Women's career

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O'Shea signed for AFL Women's club North Melbourne ahead of the seventh season in 2022. She became the youngest Irish player in the history of the competition when she made her debut in the round one match against Gold Coast.[2] She was recognised for her contributions in her first season, earning North Melbourne's Best Young Player award.[3]

O'Shea played her 50th league game in the 2025 Grand Final, and became a two-time premiership player when the Kangaroos defeated Brisbane for the second consecutive year.[4]

References

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  1. "Erika O'Shea | AFL". nmfc.com.au. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  2. Bastiani, Gemma; Watkin, Lucy (12 August 2022). "'I was smacked to the floor': Roo'd awakening for youngest ever Irish import". nmfc.com.au.
  3. "O'Shea extends North Melbourne stay ahead of AFLW Grand Final". Hogan Stand. 28 November 2025.
  4. Bastiani, Gemma (30 November 2025). "The early lesson that helped premiership Roo find her feet". AFL.com.au.
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