North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos defender Aileen Gilroy will depart the club after signing with expansion club Hawthorn.

A former Gaelic footballer with Mayo, Gilroy arrived at Arden Street during the 2019 rookie signing period and debuted for the club in Round 1, 2020. The 29-year-old Irishwoman departs after three seasons and 28 games.

"'Gilly's' contribution to our program has been significant over her three years with us," AFLW Football Performance and Talent Manager Rhys Harwood said.

"She became a much-loved member of our team, both on and off the field. Her never-say-die attitude on field has been a hallmark of her game, and her ability to develop into an important cog of our backline was a credit to her work-rate and attitude, since the moment she arrived.

"Whilst it’s disappointing to lose Gilly, we understand the nature of the AFLW expansion environment means players are faced with incredibly tough decisions.

"Gilly will always be a North Melbourne person. Everyone at the club wishes her well in her next chapter."