Walyalup (Fremantle) Dockers recruit Aisling McCarthy tipped for massive finals series after consistent season

Aisling McCarthy has been tipped to play a massive role in Walyalup’s (Fremantle) premiership push after establishing herself as an “all-round” threat in the Dockers’ midfield.

In her first season in purple after moving from cross-town rivals Waalitj Marawar (West Coast), the Irish product has averaged more than 21 disposals and kicked eight goals as one of the club’s best and most consistent performers in 2024.

“She is seriously impressive,” Dockers coach Lisa Webb said of McCarthy. “I’m really proud of Aish, she’s an incredible person and she just keeps wanting to get better.’”

McCarthy earned a perfect 10 in Danielle Laidley’s player ratings for a 23-disposal, three-goal outing against Greater Western Sydney, as the club stamped their ticket to finals with one regular season game to play.

“She (McCarthy) has been stunning,” Laidley told The West Australian.

“Her all-round game from in close and around the clearances to her uncontested game where she wins the ball on the outside. And she’s really making a habit now of pushing forward and getting on the scoreboard.

“It’s becoming a very, very all-rounded game.”

The 28-year-old’s move to Walyalup followed 43 games across six seasons for the Eagles and Western Bulldogs, including four seasons in blue and gold.

Despite her AFLW experience, McCarthy is yet to play in a final, with her first taste of post-season action looming in less than a fortnight after the Dockers locked in a spot in the top eight with the 30-point win over GWS.

Laidley said all McCarthy needed to do to have an impact in finals was continue her form beyond the home and away season.

“All she has to do is to just keep doing what she’s doing,” Laidley said.

“Her output has been quite unbelievable really and very consistent across the whole season.

“She’s led the way - winning the ball, kicking goals and kicking winning goals - you name it, she’s done it this year.”

Laidley added the Dockers’ entire midfield, including McCarthy, had lifted in the absence of the club’s greatest-ever player Kiara Bowers (pregnancy) and are primed for a strong finals campaign.

That is despite also losing captain Ange Stannett and star spearhead Aine Tighe to serious knee injuries.

“I look at players like (Gabby) Newton, Gabby O’Sullivan and Dana East seems to be coming into form at the right time of the year,” Laidley said.

“I think it’s come from everyone. Everyone seems to have lifted their output.”

Following back-to-back wins, Walyalyp has a chance to secure a top-four spot with a sizeable win over McCarthy’s former club Western Bulldogs at Fremantle Oval on Sunday, should other results go their way.

They are hot on the heels of three-time premiers Adelaide, who face Geelong on Friday, with a double chance on the line going into the final round of the regular season.

However, a shock loss to the Dogs could see the Dockers drop as low as seventh on the ladder, should both Richmond and Port Adelaide both win.