Geelong’s newest recruit, Aishling Moloney experienced all the emotions of pulling on the blue and white hoops for the first time in the Cats round one win over the Bulldogs.

Just six weeks after arriving at Kardinia Park and picking up the game of Australian Rules football, Moloney impressed on debut picking up eight disposals and booting her first goal.

The key forward launched home a long range set shot midway through the second quarter, while also assisting in a number of other scoring chains throughout the game.  

There are over 17,000 kilometres separating Moloney’s home county of Tipperary and Geelong, but the Irish recruit said she has well and truly felt at home since arriving at the Cattery.

“I haven't been missing home too much, that is just kudos to the club with what they have done for us since we landed here,” Moloney said. 

"I nearly slept at the club for the first two weeks, and did a few overnighters here trying to learn the rules and pick up the basics. 

Myself and the other Irish recruits knew we would be completely out of our comfort zone, entering into a sport and a team that we don't know. 

We just wanted to accept that and appreciate it. 

Since I have been here it has been like being home in Ireland, nothing has really changed for me." 

A top player for Tipperary in the Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA), Moloney signed with Geelong for the 2023 season and arrived for the final six weeks of the Cats pre season.

The 25 year old’s incredible journey culminated in an immediate debut in round one, following a particularly strong performance in the Cats practice match against Adelaide.

There were heart warming scenes prior to the match inside the Cats rooms, as the Irish star received her Geelong jersey before running out onto GMHBA Stadium for her first game.

Moloney touched on how exciting her experience was debuting in round one, earning the privilege of pulling on the blue and white hoops for the very first time.

"Coming from Ireland five or six weeks ago, I didn't anticipate that I would debut this early which alone was hard to believe ,” Moloney said. 

"It was very exciting, getting the jersey presented to me before the game was definitely an emotional moment. 

"I didn't know my parents would be there on the big screen, but to have them witnessing the moment with me from our home in Tipperary was definitely something that I will carry with me for a long time. 

"That is what the Geelong football club is all about too, it's about the little things and making it feel like home.”