Western Bulldogs AFLW coach Paul Groves has confirmed Irish recruit Aisling McCarthy will debut on Saturday night against Geelong at VU Whitten Oval.

Groves joked about “wearing an Irish hat or a leprechaun outfit” to announce the news, but decided to leave the X-factor to McCarthy to showcase on-field.

“We’re going to put our Irish touch on the competition this weekend, with Aisling McCarthy, who’s going to debut,” Groves told the media at VU Whitten Oval today.

“She’ll be exciting.

“She travelled with us all weekend and got to experience what it’s all about, and then played in a VFL practice game straight off the plane on Sunday and was really good.”

The 22-year-old, from Tipperary, joined the Dogs after being selected with pick 23 in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft.

Groves said the in-form small forward had plenty of potential – but that there would be no pressure to perform.

And as the Dogs unveil their 2018 premiership flag for their first home game of the season, he’s confident they will have discovered another pot of gold.

“We just don’t know (how good she could be) – she’s come from Gaelic and that background, so I can’t wait to see the X-factor she brings to a game of footy,” the Bulldogs’ coach said.

“She’s super excited, she was really disappointed last week (to miss out).

“Ever since she’s been over here, her training standards, everything is just amazing.

“There’s no pressure on her – (the message will be) just to get out there and enjoy her footy.”