NORTH Melbourne is set to overcome some fierce competition and secure two of the AFLW's most prized international signings, with the club on the cusp of agreeing to deals with Gaelic football stars Vikki Wall and Erika O'Shea.

Womens.afl understands the Kangaroos have won an intense battle with Fremantle for Wall's signature, with her Gaelic side Meath also making a considerable effort to block her attempts at moving to Australia.

But the 23-year-old is expected to play for North Melbourne next season, where she will link up with O'Shea and fellow Irishwoman Aileen Gilroy after she rejected an offer from expansion side Hawthorn to remain at Arden Street.

Wall was named her homeland's 2021 Footballer of the Year after establishing herself as one of Gaelic football's most influential players, helping Meath upset Dublin to win its first ever All-Ireland title last season.

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She was also one of three Irish AFLW hopefuls to travel to Australia late in 2019 to test at the NAB AFL Draft Combine. She then re-tested at that year's AFL Europe Combine in Dublin, finishing third in the 20m sprint and fourth in the agility test.

Meath manager Eamonn Murray recently launched an extraordinary attack on the AFLW after being questioned on Wall's future, saying: "I don't know why you'd want to play that sport … it's dreadful stuff to watch. I can't understand it. There's no skill at all.

"We can't do anything about it, but that's the problem we have. She's getting a good contract I'm sure over there, plus she's good at talking Irish and all of that stuff. I don't begrudge it to her."

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O'Shea, who was crowned an All-Star in her homeland last season despite it being only her second year of senior football, is also on the verge of journeying to Australia and agreeing a deal with the Kangaroos.

Still just 19 years of age, O'Shea is highly regarded as a defender in Gaelic football and is widely considered one of Cork and the sport's most coveted young players. She is also said to have had interest from St Kilda.

As reported by womens.afl last month, North Melbourne had also pursued another Irish recruit in West Coast's Niamh Kelly ahead of the sign and trade period. However, the exciting wing has instead requested a move to Adelaide.

Wall and O'Shea's expected arrivals coincide with Gilroy staying at North Melbourne despite interest from Hawthorn, prolific ball-winner Ash Riddell re-signing amid an offer from Sydney, and captain Emma Kearney also recommitting.

Brooke Brown is also set to stay at North Melbourne, despite interest from Gold Coast, while the versatile Tahlia Randall has also turned down offers from expansion sides and is set to recommit with the Kangaroos.