When Crows wing Niamh Kelly ran out for her AFLW debut in 2020, she was still learning the rules.

Six years later, the Irish midfielder is preparing to play her 75th AFLW game.

Kelly will reach the milestone against Geelong at Unley Oval on Saturday, adding another chapter to her journey.

After arriving in Australia from Ireland singing as an international rookie with West Coast in 2019, Kelly has gone from AFLW newcomer to All-Australian, Showdown Medallist, and Irish representative in the 2026 AFLW International Rules Series.

"It's an honour to reach 75 games at the Crows," Kelly said.

"To be running out with Sez (Sarah Allan), who's playing her 100th game, and Caitlin Gould, who's playing her 75th as well, I'm really lucky to be running out with those girls and be a part of this club."

Kelly spent three seasons at West Coast alongside sister Grace, before joining Adelaide ahead of Season Seven in 2022.

Looking back on her earliest days in AFLW, the 31-year-old reflected on how little she knew about the sport.

"During my first game, I didn't know enough about the rules, I had never played a game before," Kelly said.

"I thought it'd be a great opportunity to just give it a go for a year and if I didn't like it, I'd move home.

"Six years later, I'm still here and I love it."

Kelly credits former West Coast coach Luke Dwyer and the late Adam Selwood for helping her settle into life and football in Australia.

"I don't think I would be here without Adam Selwood and Luke Dwyer, they worked with me and Grace the whole time," Kelly said.

"Adam had such an impact on our career and was so welcoming to us.

"I'll always remember everything he did to make us feel involved and comfortable in a different culture."

A trade to Adelaide ahead of Season Seven proved another pivotal moment in Kelly's career.

Walking into a change room featuring Crows stars Chelsea Randall and Ebony Marinoff was initially daunting, but the pair quickly helped her feel at home.

"I remember coming across and looking around at the players here," Kelly said.

"Ebony was a huge help for me. The way she trains, she just leads by example.

"Chelsea was so good to me when I moved over. She made me feel very welcome in Adelaide."

Before the 2026 season, Kelly and Grace had the chance to represent Ireland in the inaugural AFLW International Rules Series, a moment she never imagined would be possible.

"I never thought we'd be able to represent Ireland playing AFLW in Australia," Kelly said.

"It was special to play for your family and friends back home who support you the whole way.

"The best thing was when the Irish national anthem played, people were actually crying, it was just so special."

The Crows head into Saturday's clash on the back of consecutive wins against Kelly's former team in West Coast and Hawthorn.

The Irish wing was excited by the direction of the side under first-year coach Ryan Davis.

"He has a great way of building belief in everyone and has brought so much energy," Kelly said.

"We've won the last two and Geelong are a great side as well.

"We're really excited to see where this group can go this season."

Kelly's milestone match gets underway at Unley Oval on Saturday at 2.35pm ACST, with family and friends back in Ireland set to tune in during the early hours of the morning.

"My parents and partner Darragh will be up in the middle of the night watching," Kelly said.

"So hopefully we can get the win."

Tickets to the game available here.