Former Mayo footballer Cora Staunton isn't letting defenders off easily in Australia.
The 40-year-old has been off to a flyer this season for the Great Western Sydney Giants and that was seen again in their recent win over Western Bulldogs.
Staunton scored her sixth goal of the season in their 43-22 victory. It puts the GSW Giants sixth in the AFLW standings after four games.
Cork All-Ireland winner Bríd Stack also featured in the game with nine disposals. She's enjoying her first full season after a horrific injury postponed her AFLW debut for a year.
It was a convincing win against a Western Bulldogs side devoid of many games. They've only played two of their season fixtures due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the squad.
Staunton snaps another for the Giants 🔥#AFLW | #AFLWGiantsDogs pic.twitter.com/yjnZpmO9Bv
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) January 28, 2022
Earlier this month - Staunton spoke to the AFL's website about what it means to be the oldest player in the league, and if she cares about the milestone.
"My age, the fact I'm Irish, and the weather when it's raining, those are the three I hear quite a bit (from teammates)," Staunton said.
"To be honest, it flies over my head most of the time, it's more the girls around the club who like to rip into me and slag me."
Staunton has scored over a quarter of her team's goal tally so far this season. She's played a pivotal role as GWS Giants chase their first-ever AFLW Grand Final appearance.
"I keep off social media mostly, and age is just a number. I really don't take any notice, once I'm playing and training and going hard and still trying to out-sprint the younger ones, then I feel I'm in a good place."
"Thankfully my body is holding up quite well and I rarely miss training, so I can still feel I can compete at the top level," Staunton added.
Still think what Cora Staunton's doing goes a tad underappreciated. Five goals this season while running herself into the ground and living off scraps. It is outrageous. pic.twitter.com/hMPbi6mHJz
— Maurice Brosnan (@m_brosnan) January 23, 2022
Having achieved all there is in football in Ireland with Mayo, some might think that Staunton has deserved some time to reflect on a fantastic career.
"I came from a sport where I was at the top of my game for a number of years, and then you come here and you're at the bottom of the ladder and you just want to improve," she said.
"It's also the love for this club. I can't put into words what this club means, it's a very special place. From the first day I walked in, I felt that family and sense of belonging."
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