Gold Coast SUNS AFLW skipper Niamh McLaughlin has been awarded her maiden All Australian blazer at the 2025 W Awards hosted at Centrepiece in Melbourne.
After earning selection in the extended 42-player squad for the first time earlier this month, the SUNS pocket rocket was named on the interchange among the league’s finest 21 on Monday night.
The prestigious honour adds another record to the 2025 books for the 32-year-old who had a career-best season as the first Irish player to captain either an AFL or AFLW side.
The versatile defender played a pivotal role in all 12 of the SUNS matches this season, averaging career-high 23.3 disposals at 72.9% efficiency whilst also leading the league for total bounces for the second time in her three seasons in the competition.
GC SUNS Head Coach Rhyce Shaw was pleased to see McLaughlin earn her inaugural blazer.
“It’s fantastic to see Niamh earn her first All Australian selection,” Shaw said.
“Niamh has consistently led by example both on and off the field in her first season as co-captain and we’re thrilled to see her recognised on the big stage.”
The 2025 AFLW All Australian panellists comprised: Andrew Dillon (Chair), Gemma Bastiani, Jason Bennett, Laura Kane, Katie Loynes, Kate McCarthy, Erin Phillips, Eliza Reilly Michael Whiting and Megan Waters.
