As we enter our second season of the AFLW, and prepare for the 2023 AFLW season, we bring you our new series On the mark, presented by Bing Lee where we meet our AFLW team and find out what makes them tick.
Stay tuned to sydneyswans.com.au/aflw for all the latest interviews and AFLW news.
Paris McCarthy believes her path is already set. So, when she discovered the AFLW on YouTube one day, it was seemingly no coincidence.
The midfielder hails from Ireland and is one of four cross-code athletes to join the Sydney Swans in 2023, having played Gaelic Football for Kerry County and Division One Basketball in the US. While she admits the experience was not all that she hoped, it has prepared her for this latest chapter in the red and white.
At what point did you realise you could take your passion for AFL into a professional career?
“I’ve always wanted to be a professional athlete – I played basketball before this – and I started watching AFLW for a couple of years and it’s something I’ve always aspired to do. We don’t have that opportunity in Ireland…”
How did you discover the AFL?
“I think I was just watching YouTube and that’s the first time I came across it. Julie (O’Sullivan) has been a close friend of mine and we always discussed it.”
Who do you credit for your success?
“My parents. They’ve given me every opportunity possible to do what I love to do.”
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
“I played basketball in America last year and it didn’t go the way I wanted it to go. It was realising that my path is already created without me knowing. There’s always going to be another hurdle in life, and I can always get over those hurdles. You might have bumps in the road but it’s going to get better.”
Can you recall the most defining moment of your life so far?
“Since I was a young girl, I’ve said that I wanted to play basketball in America I guess once I made that dream a reality, I realised it wasn’t everything I expected it to be. That moment made me realise that there’s bigger things out in the world. You have to put your happiness first. If you’re not enjoying something, there’s no point doing it.
“The minute I got the opportunity to come here I took it. I knew from the beginning that the energy and the fact that the coaches cared and took me in meant a lot.”
If you weren’t playing AFL, what do you think you’d be doing?
“I’d like to open my own business and be a physiotherapist. That’s something I’d like to cross paths with.”
What are you most grateful for?
“To get all these opportunities. Sometimes you might have the talent but you might not use that talent so having those opportunities to push myself is something I’m really grateful for. Also, all the people around me. It’s amazing here and everyone is so kind and caring.”
What is your most controversial opinion?
“Is water, wet? And I still can’t wrap my head around it. I’m not sure if it is or not.”
Whether you’re preparing for training or a match, do you have any superstitions or things you must do beforehand?
“I like to say a prayer before I go out on the field. Mum used to always say to me, ‘Don’t get injured!’ as I was leaving the house, so I always say a prayer. And I also touch wood when I think of something bad.”
In your own opinion, what are your greatest strengths?
“Off the field, my ability to communicate with people and my energy is quite positive. On the field, I think I’m a smart player. Even though I’m new to the game I can take a lot from what I’ve done with Gaelic Football and Basketball and bring it into the game. My running would also be a strong point.”
Who is your sports hero?
“Mine would be Kobe Bryant because he has this insane mindset – the mamba mentality. It’s something I strive to have, and it motivates you to give everything, every single day.”
This profile series is presented by Bing Lee.
The 2023 AFLW Season will commence on the first weekend of September with the full fixture now confirmed.
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The 2023 AFLW fixture is locked in, and we return to North Sydney Oval for a blockbuster Sydney Derby on Sunday, 3 September! Sign up to become a 2023 AFLW member TODAY!
