Imagine being in the first few minutes of a critical game, feeling on top of the world—only to have your knee buckle beneath you. For AFLW star Erika O’Shea that’s exactly what happened. But instead of letting it defeat her, she finished the game, ran on pure adrenaline, and eventually bounced back even stronger. 

Growing up in Cork, Erika was a force on the Gaelic football field—fast, agile, and fiercely determined. Swapping the familiar pitches of Ireland for the fast-paced, physical world of Australian Rules Football was a whole new challenge. Moving to North Melbourne meant tougher training, different tactics, and adapting to a new culture that demanded even more commitment.

But Erika didn’t back down. She pushed herself physically and mentally, proving she’s not just a skilled athlete but a resilient competitor. Every game showcases her relentless work ethic and adaptability. As she leaves her Gaelic roots behind and makes her mark in one of the toughest leagues in the world, Erika shows that true strength isn’t just about physical ability—it’s about rising after setbacks and growing stronger in the face of adversity.

"Don't miss Erika's incredible insights on overcoming adversity, conquering challenges, mental resilience, and managing dual sports. This is a must-listen!"

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and early knee injury

00:02:09 - Mental and physical recovery from injury

00:05:08 - Impact of injury on playing style (attack vs. defense)

00:06:42 - Recovery practices in AFLW vs Gaelic football

00:08:33 - Team culture and leadership at North Melbourne

00:12:54 - Transition from Gaelic football to AFLW

00:17:16 - Importance of mental recovery and sports psychology

00:27:59 - Moving to Australia at 19 and dealing with homesickness

00:36:16 - AFLW’s condensed fixture schedule and its challenges

00:39:47 - Balancing AFLW with Gaelic football ambitions

00:45:15 - Reflections on Gaelic football and potential return

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About Our Guest

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Erika O’Shea is a professional Australian Rules Football player for North Melbourne in the AFLW. Originally from Cork, Ireland, she was a standout Gaelic football player before making the leap to professional sports in Australia. Erika is known for her dedication to both the mental and physical aspects of athletic performance and her ability to overcome challenges through resilience and hard work.

• North Melbourne Football Club: Official Website

• Instagram: @erikaoshea_

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About Our Host

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Peter Wright is a strength and conditioning coach and performance consultant dedicated to helping athletes unlock their full potential. As the host of The Petey Performance Podcast, Peter dives deep into the minds and methods of elite athletes and coaches, sharing valuable insights on athletic training, performance enhancement, and sports science. His passion for sports and commitment to excellence make his podcast a go-to resource for anyone looking to elevate their game.

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Produced by: Dreamers Media Pty Ltd

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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Petey Performance Podcast, where we delve into the minds and methods of elite athletes and coaches. Stay connected for more podcasts on reaching your peak performance!