McLaughlin on slowing down to make further improvements

The 33-year-old, who earned her first All-Australian selection in 2025, has continued to develop under coach Rhyce Shaw and his coaching staff.

McLaughlin said the message from her coaches was to be more measured in her approach, particularly when deciding whether to move the ball quickly or take time to settle possession.

"Just about being more predictable. Sometimes I can be a bit fast," McLaughlin said.

"My decision-making. When to go fast and when I can go slow.

"When I feel stages of the game when I need to find a mark to settle things down with my kicking or whether I feel like there's space for me to open the game up. Just getting that balance right.

"I think I've improved in that, which has hopefully helped the team."

Since moving to Australia ahead of the 2023 season, McLaughlin has become known for her attacking runs from half-back and willingness to take on opposition players.

That approach remains a key part of her game, but she has added greater control to her play this season, making better use of the ball and finding teammates in space.

Shaw has been impressed by her consistency and the balance she has brought to her performances.

"Niamh's been unreal," Shaw said.

"She rocks up every week and takes the game on, which is a very hard thing to do. People under-estimate that.

"That's a hard gig. You've got to attack and you've got to defend as well, and I think she's got that balance this year.

"She's improved again … I think she's been better than she was last year. I don't think she's had a down game."

McLaughlin's average disposals have risen from 23 to 25 per game, while she also ranks among the competition's leading players for intercept possessions.

She has played an important role in Gold Coast's defensive work and its ability to launch attacks, forming an effective partnership with fellow half-back Daisy D'Arcy.

McLaughlin is in her second season as co-captain alongside Lucy Single, with the SUNS making significant progress after finishing bottom of the ladder and reaching the finals.

The Donegal woman said the changes to the squad had brought fresh energy while retaining the experience already within the group.

"When you've got such a big turnover, it's hard to know where you're going to go," she said.

"We knew we had the talent. We knew we had the experience of the girls here before.

"We've got some excellent players that have been around for a long time and we knew the girls coming in were going to bring some fresh energy.