"I remember at my first training session, I didn't even know the rules or how to play AFL."

It's hard to believe that the same star that Lions fans watch dominate the wing every week was learning how to kick a Sherrin only three years ago. 

Irish recruit, Orla O'Dwyer has had the AFLW world watching on as she continues to develop into a damaging left footed midfielder for Brisbane. 

Having been the fan voted MVP three weeks running, the 23-year-old is averaging career high disposals, marks and tackles in what appears to be a breakout season. 

Speaking to the Roar Deal, O'Dwyer said even she's been surprised with her development at times.

"When I look back at how far I've come from my first season, it's a bit unbelievable.

"I didn't know the rules and was terrified of giving away 50m penalties all the time. But now I feel a part of the team and am more vocal and confident."

When asked about the secrets behind the rise in her game this season, the Irish woman put it all down to determination.

"I really wanted to come into this pre-season in the best shape I could. I wanted to be fit, I wanted to be strong and really practice my skills with the footy as much as I could.

"I've got really great coaches and teammates who have helped me along the way and I'm so grateful for them."

Having played primarily as a half forward in her first and second year, O'Dwyer is racking up disposals in a familiar position on the wing.

"I actually played a similar wing role back in Ireland. We don't have as many rotations so it's pretty much 60 minutes on ball with no substitutions so while I'm still getting my head around the structure side of things, I feel like I'm getting the hang of it."

O'Dwyer, along with the rest of the Lions will head to Melbourne this weekend in a re-shuffled Round Six fixture, taking on St. Kilda on Sunday afternoon at Trevor Barker Oval.