Former Waterford star Michelle Ryan says she can see why so many ladies footballers have left Ireland to play in the AFL.

Next season, 21 Irish players are set to line out in Australia.

It comes as Meath star and back-to-back All-Ireland winner Vikki Wall is the latest talent to leave Ireland to take up the professional game.

Speaking on 'On the Ball' - Michelle said a serious conversation must be had to try and entice Ireland's best players to remain playing GAA in their home country.

"I don't know what the resolution is. There are lots of people talking about the costs involved in playing sports and are people being reimbursed enough? Obviously then, you have the attraction of being a professional player - living in Australia and so on. Over the winter months, a serious conversation needs to be had whereby how are we going to avoid a crisis where the best players in our game are playing elsewhere."

Michelle was speaking to Tomas McCarthy on Monday's edition of On The Ball.

You can listen to the full interview by clicking on the play button on the photo above.

For all the latest in Waterford sport, click here.