HAWTHORN has pulled off an AFLW expansion signing stunner, completing a deal for North Melbourne star Aileen Gilroy just weeks after she had told the Kangaroos she would recommit for the upcoming season.

Womens.afl understands the Hawks lodged the paperwork to sign Gilroy just before Monday's 2pm AEST expansion signing period deadline in a move that left the Kangaroos stunned.

Gilroy, an Irish recruit who finished top-10 in North Melbourne's best and fairest count over the weekend, had received interest from Hawthorn earlier this year as the club set about finding marquee AFLW signings for its inaugural season.

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However, as reported by womens.afl in late April, the 29-year-old had initially turned down the interest and had told Kangaroos officials that she would recommit for the upcoming campaign.

Aileen Gilroy in action against Melbourne in round eight on February 26, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

But a further push from Hawthorn, made just before Monday's expansion signing period deadline, managed to convince the former County Mayo star to join Bec Goddard's team for its maiden AFLW season.

Gilroy had played 28 games for the Kangaroos since moving to Arden Street ahead of the 2020 season, averaging 12 disposals in the most recent season to finish seventh in the club's best and fairest count.

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North Melbourne had originally been hoping to link Gilroy with Meath's Vikki Wall and Cork's Erika O'Shea, with the two highly rated Gaelic signings expected to join the Kangaroos ahead of next season.