The Gold Coast SUNS will field its fifth AFLW debutant of the 2023 season with Irish product Cara McCrossan set to run out in the red and gold this Sunday afternoon.

McCrossan became a SUN with Pick 6 in the 2023 AFLW Supplementary Draft and will join Darcie Davies, Meara Girvan, Alana Gee and fellow Irishwoman Niamh McLaughlin on the list of SUNS AFLW debutants so far this season.

McCrossan was impressive throughout a 2022 VFLW campaign with the Casey Demons in which she played 15 games on the way to a Preliminary Final.

The Gaelic football convert, who’s known for her speed and ability to create scoring opportunities, has transitioned seamlessly into the SUNS fabric after only playing her first competitive Aussie Rules match in Round 1 of the 2022 VFLW season.

“We’re thrilled to see Cara earning her opportunity to debut this Sunday,” GC SUNS AFLW Head Coach Cameron Joyce said.

“She has been a consistent performer at training and has impressed in match scrimmages outside of the AFLW in the last few weeks.

“She adds a dash of speed to our forward line and has the ability to hit the scoreboard as well. We’re looking forward to see what she can bring to our side on Sunday and hopefully for many weeks beyond as well.”

The SUNS will finalise its team to face Collingwood on Friday evening.