McCarthy was selected at 23 in the draft and will depart soon for pre-season training, missing out much of the National League for the Premier County but back in plenty of time for the Championship.

The 21-year-old Cahir player is following the path laid by trailblazer and Mayo legend Cora Staunton, who prospered for Greater Western Sydney last year.

She was one of 11 Irish players – mostly footballers but also including fellow Tipp woman, the camogie star Mary Ryan and Ireland rugby international Mairéad Coyne - invited to participate in the CrossCoders programmed and trial for clubs last month.

Donegal’s Yvonne Bonner (GWS) and Clare’s Ailish Considine (Adelaide) were quickly snapped up as a result of those trials, and McCarthy created sufficient impression to be selected by the Bulldogs.

Mayo attacker Sarah Rowe had earlier signed terms with Collingwood, having gone on trial with a number of clubs during the summer.

McCarthy wore a Bulldogs singlet as she took to social media in the early hours of the morning to issue a message to Doggies supporters.

“I’ve a bit of a tired head on me” said McCarthy. “It’s 10 past three here in Ireland in the morning but I’m absolutely delighted to be drafted by the Bulldogs and I can’t wait to get my AFL season started this year.”