The Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of North Adelaide’s Megan Ryan to its inaugural AFLW team.

Ryan joins the Bombers as a ruck following Jorja Borg’s season-ending foot injury, with the club moving her to the inactive list.

Growing up in Roscrea in Ireland, Ryan played camogie before switching to football when she moved to Australia at the start of 2019.

Ryan started her football journey in Broken Hill before moving to North Adelaide in the SANFLW for the 2022 season.

The robust ruck played in North Adelaide’s victorious Grand Final, where she also kicked a goal.

AFLW Contract Manager Georgia Harvey said the club was thrilled to have Ryan join the Bombers.

“Whilst it’s disappointing for Jorja to miss the season, this is another great opportunity for a player to represent this football club in our inaugural year,” Harvey said.

“Meg is a strong and competitive player who recently played in a premiership with North Adelaide in the SANFLW and we look forward to welcoming her to the club.”