Irish AFL players

willabur · 02-05-2014 10:59am

Reading some magpies forum today and it looks like Marty Clarke is going to be cut / let go. A few guys bemoaning that he hasn't been cut already. I guess the lack of outright speed and being so one footed made him too easy to be neutralised. A crying shame for gaelic fans to see one of the premier talents in the native game to be reduced to the role of a tagger in AFL. I'd imagine he would get on a roster somewhere else although I would prefer to see him back playing gaa with down

jackbhoy · 02-05-2014 11:58am

willabur wrote: »

Reading some magpies forum today and it looks like Marty Clarke is going to be cut / let go. A few guys bemoaning that he hasn't been cut already. I guess the lack of outright speed and being so one footed made him too easy to be neutralised. A crying shame for gaelic fans to see one of the premier talents in the native game to be reduced to the role of a tagger in AFL. I'd imagine he would get on a roster somewhere else although I would prefer to see him back playing gaa with down

I think Collingwood have been quite generous and patient with him and have certainly given him every opportunity to step up, but just don't think he is up to very top level. So many young and mature age rookies that are better footballers around, it's hard to see why Collingwood would continue to invest in him. Best of luck to him anyway...

Bullseye500 · 02-05-2014 1:59pm

SSK wrote: »

Interesting, he must be living over here a while and playing some Aussie Rules. Did he play any intercounty with Kerry?

Michael Voss I think is overseeing the selection process. Not sure when it's supposed to start on TV.

No only played u21 I think. They only travelled over about 3 weeks ago a team of European players with Padraig the only Irish player.

As Gary said the winner getting a contract.But the hope is to get spotted during the trials even if you don't win the show so big opportunity for the young fella.

massdebater · 05-05-2014 6:26am

SSK wrote: »

Interesting, he must be living over here a while and playing some Aussie Rules. Did he play any intercounty with Kerry?

Michael Voss I think is overseeing the selection process. Not sure when it's supposed to start on TV.

I was standing behind Fitzy in the queue in a Grill'd in Melbourne a few weeks ago. He's presenting The Recruit. They were starting to record then and he just said it's airing later in the year. Not sure exactly when though.

MANUTD99 · 05-05-2014 10:39am

Few snippets of Daniel Fylnn's debut in SANFL

MANUTD99 · 11-05-2014 5:21am

Flynn named on interchange bench for today's SANFL game against Sturt.

He must be training very well. Have been reading on a lot of forums and most fans were expecting him to play academy games and not stepping up the SANFL level just yet. He must be impressing.

SSK · 11-05-2014 5:28am

MANUTD99 wrote: »

Flynn named on interchange bench for today's SANFL game against Sturt.

He must be training very well. Have been reading on a lot of forums and most fans were expecting him to play academy games and not stepping up the SANFL level just yet. He must be impressing.

Athletically he's on a different level to SANFL reserves so there would really be no point in him playing there. The quickest way to get him up to speed is playing proper league footy with the Port Magpies. Physically he's AFL ready so it's all about learning the nuances of the game. Can only really be done at as high a level as possible.

MANUTD99 · 11-05-2014 5:53am

SSK wrote: »

Athletically he's on a different level to SANFL reserves so there would really be no point in him playing there. The quickest way to get him up to speed is playing proper league footy with the Port Magpies. Physically he's AFL ready so it's all about learning the nuances of the game. Can only really be done at as high a level as possible.

Yeah fair point alright.

He has come on now and kicked a behind. I wonder if there is any way I can listen/watch this game anywhere? I'm getting updates from the SANFL web at the minute

SSK · 11-05-2014 6:01am

Try here. I'm in work so not sure if it works or not

http://www.rphadelaide.org.au/sanflcoverage.htm

MANUTD99 · 11-05-2014 11:44am

SSK wrote: »

Try here. I'm in work so not sure if it works or not

http://www.rphadelaide.org.au/sanflcoverage.htm

So he finished the game with 20 disposals, 5 marks and 6 rebound 50s. So certainly seen a lot more of the ball than last week. Commentator reckons he is reluctant to take his chances on taking players out. Something he'll have to learn pretty quick.

A mixed review from Magpies official website. Reckoned it took him a while to get used to the pace of the game

Matthew White said Flynn ran a 150 in 15secs in his first session back from Ireland in a interview. Link below, skip to around 5.50. That is unbelievable speed

http://www.fiveaa.com.au/audio_pafc-s-matt-white-ahead-of-the-clash-with-freo_108524

amadain · 11-05-2014 2:43pm

TOMMY WALSH WILL make his return to action tomorrow for the Sydney Swans nearly 12 months after suffering a horror hamstring injury.

Walsh will line up for the Sydney Swans reserve side against UWS Giants in a game that is the warm-up for the AFL Round 8 clash between Sydney Swans and Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium.

The match caps Walsh’s comeback after a gruelling recovery from injury since tearing the hamstring off his bone last June in an AFL Round 10 clash between Sydney Swans and Essendon.

The 26 year-old, who won an All-Ireland senior medal with Kerry in 2009 before departing for Australia, has played for the Sydney Swans since October 2011. He had originally played for St Kilda.

Last month Kilkenny hurler Michael Fennelly, who spent time in Australia from last December to February on work experience with the Sydney Swans, spoke about witnessing Walsh’s efforts to recover form injury.

He described it as an ‘uphill battle’ for the Kerry native to reignite his AFL career as Walsh enters a defining year with his contract up at the end of the 2014 season.

keane2097 · 13-05-2014 4:56pm

What's a rebound 50?

Tigerandahalf · 13-05-2014 5:16pm

Wasn't sure myself and there are plenty other terms I wouldn't know. So a quick google brought up this.

Rebound
the act of moving the ball forward after winning it as the result of a turnover in the defensive end of the ground.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_Australian_rules_football

SSK · 14-05-2014 2:24am

It's basically just bringing the ball out of the defensive 50 metre arc by way of a kick, handball or carry. It's not a particularly relevant stat IMO as if you're playing in the backline and have a substantial number of touches then you're almost definitely going to have a few rebound 50s.

seipeal1 · 14-05-2014 11:39am

MANUTD99 wrote: »

So he finished the game with 20 disposals, 5 marks and 6 rebound 50s. So certainly seen a lot more of the ball than last week. Commentator reckons he is reluctant to take his chances on taking players out. Something he'll have to learn pretty quick.

A mixed review from Magpies official website. Reckoned it took him a while to get used to the pace of the game

Matthew White said Flynn ran a 150 in 15secs in his first session back from Ireland in a interview. Link below, skip to around 5.50. That is unbelievable speed

http://www.fiveaa.com.au/audio_pafc-s-matt-white-ahead-of-the-clash-with-freo_108524

He is lightning quick. However, it was only his 5th ever game of footy. He is only starting to learn what to do and where to go so it is a huge learning curve and he is well ahead of schedule.
I think he is a long term project and we will only start to see his real potential next year.

skippymac6 · 14-05-2014 3:05pm

Can Tommy Walsh still make an impact lads? He's such a physical specimen that if he could learn the ins and outs of the game then maybe he might have a chance?

I understand that he has had some shocking injuries to overcome too but would love to see him do well.

MANUTD99 · 25-05-2014 10:16pm

Any word on Tommy Walsh?

Zach Tuohy & Pearce Hanley seem to be the only Irish lads playing AFL regularly

Is Clarke finished at Collingwood?

Fylnn played another full game for Magpies in SAFNL. Was reading he is living with Chad Wingard and Ollie Wines. Can only get better. Cant see him playing for Port this season though

SSK · 26-05-2014 3:47am

MANUTD99 wrote: »

Any word on Tommy Walsh?

Zach Tuohy & Pearce Hanley seem to be the only Irish lads playing AFL regularly

Is Clarke finished at Collingwood?

Fylnn played another full game for Magpies in SAFNL. Was reading he is living with Chad Wingard and Ollie Wines. Can only get better. Cant see him playing for Port this season though

Walsh has played two games with the Sydney reserves but is a long way behind fitness wise. Barring a huge injury curse hitting the Swans he's not going to get a look in and will probably be done at the end of the year.

Both Mooney and Clarke are playing solid footy in the VFL at the moment but Clarke is pretty much done at the end of the year as there is a huge queue of promising young players ahead of him who can't get a run in the seniors. Mooney may get another year but he'll have to be promoted to the senior list in order to be retained so it'll be touch and go. He could do with some big games in the second half of the year.

Sheehan and Byrne both had good games for the Carlton VFL side on the weekend, Sheehan was named second best on ground and it wouldn't surprise me if he gets a senior look towards the end of the year if he can continue to improve game on game.

Flynn is making very good progress and should be aiming to continue learning the game and making an impact in the SANFL with a view to breaking through to the seniors next year.

MANUTD99 · 31-05-2014 8:12pm

Gwan Pearce Hanley ya good thing!

MANUTD99 · 07-06-2014 10:24pm

Daniel Fylnn highlights RD 5-8 in SAFNL. Look at the run at about .59 sec He looks a scary prospect. Best of luck to ya lad. As a Dub man I'm glad your not running out for Kildare in Leinster lol

http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/video/2014-06-06/ptv-daniel-flynn-highlights-rounds-58

The most boring interview also lol. It looks like Port are trying their very best to make Fylnn settle as best as possible though and who could blame them. He lives with Wingard and man child Ollie Wines

http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/news/2014-06-06/whats-the-craic-with-daniel-flynn

SSK · 17-06-2014 12:26am

Flynn nearly decapitated a player in the SANFL at the weekend with a running bump. He got two weeks for it which was probably fair enough but it's a pity as it will slow his development a little. He's an absolute beast though so I'm sure Port won't be too disappointed that he's starting to impose himself on games physically.

As I said in the other thread, Hanley had a very good game in a poor Brisbane side at the weekend. He was playing as a permanent midfielder, which suits his game as he is able to roam around the field hunting the footy however he still has a lot of learning to do as regards the art of clearance winning and contested footy as Brisbane were totally flogged in the clearances by the likes of Ward, Scully, Treloar and the rest of the Giants' young guns.

Tuohy was ok for Carlton against the Hawks but he's miles off the form of last year. Unfortunately Clarke and Walsh appear to be just playing out the final year of their contracts at this stage. Mooney has been playing down back for the Collingwood reserves and doing ok but he may have plateaued at that level.

Frankie Lee · 29-07-2014 8:34pm

Hanley had a career best game at the weekend with 45 disposals and generally dominated the game.

bruschi · 30-07-2014 10:02pm

Frankie Lee wrote: »

Hanley had a career best game at the weekend with 45 disposals and generally dominated the game.

Saw that alright. Nearly set an AFL record with most distance playing the ball.

SSK · 01-08-2014 12:29am

I've been at home for the last few weeks so haven't seen much of the action but from the highlights I've seen Hanley's performance last week was one for the ages. Superb stuff.

Lovely article on him today in The Age which is the best footy paper in Melbourne.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/pearce-hanley-the-pirate-of-roscommon--or-mayo-20140731-zyzdd.html

jackbhoy · 01-08-2014 4:51am

SSK wrote: »

I've been at home for the last few weeks so haven't seen much of the action but from the highlights I've seen Hanley's performance last week was one for the ages. Superb stuff.

Lovely article on him today in The Age which is the best footy paper in Melbourne.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/pearce-hanley-the-pirate-of-roscommon--or-mayo-20140731-zyzdd.html

He has to be in contention for an All Australian berth this year.

I actually think, that despite the amazing stats, last week wasn't his best performance by a long shot. GC were so apathetic that he was allowed free reign. He has broken big games against top teams earlier where he got significant attention or was tagged by opposition, they were more impressive imo. Can't believe how bad GC were.

SSK · 06-08-2014 2:20am

Ciaran Sheehan will make his debut for Carlton this weekend. Mick was highly complementary of him in his press conference this morning so here's hoping he gets a full game and gives a good account of himself. He'll most likely be playing a back flanker type role similar to Tuohy (who he could actually replace in the team given the latter's iffy form of late)

Theresalwaysone · 06-08-2014 8:44am

SSK wrote: »

Ciaran Sheehan will make his debut for Carlton this weekend. Mick was highly complementary of him in his press conference this morning so here's hoping he gets a full game and gives a good account of himself. He'll most likely be playing a back flanker type role similar to Tuohy (who he could actually replace in the team given the latter's iffy form of late)

This is good news.

Tuohy has been meh lately but they seem to love him over there. Gushing over his kick. Hope the two lads can get in the team together, would be awesome to see.

bruschi · 06-08-2014 3:27pm

Personally I think Tuohy is being played out of position. I dont think he is suited to the last man lock down player on the opponents best inside forward. His main attribute is clearances and passing, whereas he is now effectively playing a tagging role. In some of the games I have seen of him, he has been up against Ballantyne, Dustin Martin, Puopolo amongst others, basically always up against the opponents best crumber or playmaker forward. I think he has done well, but if it were me, I'd prefer him to be more of a rebound player at half back, or at least not the last defender.

Looking forward to seeing Sheehan playing though, hope it goes well for him.

SSK · 09-08-2014 6:31am

Nine disposals to half time for Sheehan, he looks very comfortable out there and his kicking is excellent. Two goal assists as well.

The Suns are woeful though and are putting literally no pressure on so it's a nice game to make his debut in.

SSK · 09-08-2014 8:56am

The second half was painful to watch in general, just awful stuff from both sides.

Sheehan was quiet after half time, which is understandable in his first game. I think he got moved on to Aaron Hall and seemed to focus mainly on the defensive side of things after that. Overall a very good debut and I'd be surprised if he doesn't hold his spot for the remainder of the year.

Edit - keane2097, have you any inside word on whether Tommy Walsh is heading home at the end of the year? He seems to be playing very well in defence for the Swans reserves, will be interesting to see if he's offered a new contract.

keane2097 · 09-08-2014 9:05am

If he gets offered a new contract by Sydney he will stay. If he gets offered a contract by someone else it would depend on how much of an uproot and restart it would be, I would say 50/50 that he would stay in that case. Obv no contract and he will come home.

bruschi · 09-08-2014 10:19am

Watched the Carlton game there. Poor game really, but a good one for Sheehan to start off in. He did well too. Very good kicking as would be expected. Looked a little awkward alright with his bouncing but again to be expected. Nothing that unusual really, especially when you see Murphy earlier messed up a bounce. Positive start for him tho. To be honest I thought he'd have been a bit quieter, playing a weak enough side and being defensive. But he pushed up well and was defensive when he needed to be. Commentators were very complimentary of him too.

Parawind · 03-10-2014 7:06pm

Bombers sign Connor McKenna!

http://m.essendonfc.com.au/news/2014-10-03/exciting-irishman-joins-essendon

bruschi · 03-10-2014 9:18pm

Eagles and Dockers have signed a couple of lads from Kildare too, Brophy and Hurley.

Frankie Lee · 03-10-2014 9:29pm

Massive loss for Kildare, Brophy should definitely make it while Hurley has serious natural talent but will need a bit of luck but if he stays injury free and develops a bit more consistency he can make it. Can't see Daniel Flynn returning too soon either.
Hurley is the 3rd player from a relatively small rural club in Johnstownbridge to make the move. Paul Cribben was the other.

klairondavis · 13-01-2015 6:37pm

Frankie Lee wrote: »

Can't see Daniel Flynn returning too soon either.

I hope he's not going back this time!

bruschi · 14-01-2015 11:04am

klairondavis wrote: »

I hope he's not going back this time!

yeah that'll be it now anyway. at least he gave it a go and went a second time to try it. just didnt suit, and thats the way it is for some.

SSK · 14-01-2015 11:58am

Not necessarily dead in the water yet according to Port

PORT Adelaide has granted Daniel Flynn additional leave from the club and the international rookie remains in Ireland with family.
Flynn requested additional leave citing homesickness at the start of 2015.
The club’s general manager of football Chris Davies says the club remains in contact with Flynn.
“Daniel has returned home to Ireland and the club has given him extra leave to be with his family following his request,” said Davies.
“We’ll remain in close contact with Daniel and his family and we aim to reach an outcome in the coming weeks.”

But his Twitter bio is pretty definitive IMO

Lifes simple, you make choices and you dont look back...

Johnstown Bridge, Kildare

He had a lot of potential so I can see why Port want to leave the door open but if his hearts not in it then there's not really much point.

Hinomaru · 16-01-2015 2:40am

Apparently Tadhg Kennelly is actively recruiting Irish players to the AFL. There are no notable former GAA stars out there now but Kennelly is working on bringing a new generation of players to trials in Australia

SSK · 16-01-2015 3:08am

Hinomaru wrote: »

Apparently Tadhg Kennelly is actively recruiting Irish players to the AFL. There are no notable former GAA stars out there now but Kennelly is working on bringing a new generation of players to trials in Australia

Yep, he's been holding European combines for elite talent for the last couple of years. On average maybe 2-3 Irish players would be recruited through this per year and you'd see as many coming back the other direction each year.

Ciaran Sheehan would certainly be considered a notable former GAA star, he's with Carlton. And while Pearce Hanley was very young when he originally came over he's a household name now and comfortably a top 50 player in the league.

bruschi · 16-01-2015 9:18am

Hinomaru wrote: »

Apparently Tadhg Kennelly is actively recruiting Irish players to the AFL. There are no notable former GAA stars out there now but Kennelly is working on bringing a new generation of players to trials in Australia

he has been doing this since he retired in 2011. nothing new about it. and in those few years, I'd say there has been nearly 4 times as many players who have been signed up have left and returned home since. Very few make it. They trial up to 20 or 30 players, and maybe 3 or 4 might be offered contracts, and then they might only leave for a year or 2 anyway.

Hinomaru · 16-01-2015 2:15pm

bruschi wrote: »

he has been doing this since he retired in 2011. nothing new about it. and in those few years, I'd say there has been nearly 4 times as many players who have been signed up have left and returned home since. Very few make it. They trial up to 20 or 30 players, and maybe 3 or 4 might be offered contracts, and then they might only leave for a year or 2 anyway.

I understand its not anything new. I know he started it in 2011 but was suggesting the the whole Irish experiment was over as most everyone out there has come back

bruschi · 16-01-2015 4:05pm

Hinomaru wrote: »

I understand its not anything new. I know he started it in 2011 but was suggesting the the whole Irish experiment was over as most everyone out there has come back

I dont get your original post so.

Hinomaru wrote: »

Apparently Tadhg Kennelly is actively recruiting Irish players to the AFL. There are no notable former GAA stars out there now but Kennelly is working on bringing a new generation of players to trials in Australia

There are still players going out there every year. This year alone 3 players have signed contracts with clubs. It was a similar number last year, and the year before. There are still new players going every year and I dont see any change for the past 5+ years in either players going or returning.

klairondavis · 30-01-2015 6:35pm

http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/news/2015-01-30/daniel-flynn-to-stay-in-ireland

jackbhoy · 31-01-2015 1:33am

Hanley out for 12 weeks.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/brisbane-lions-midfielder-pearce-hanley-out-for-three-months-20150130-1322sg.html

huddler · 09-02-2015 12:32pm

Gone to 18 weeks now. Frustrating for him. Would have got off the leash this year with so many others demanding a tag at the Lions. Hanley, Rocky, Beams, Rich, Zorko....even Christensen, who do you tag?! They can all hurt you. Interesting year ahead at the Gabba.

SSK · 09-02-2015 1:01pm

huddler wrote: »

Gone to 18 weeks now. Frustrating for him. Would have got off the leash this year with so many others demanding a tag at the Lions. Hanley, Rocky, Beams, Rich, Zorko....even Christensen, who do you tag?! They can all hurt you. Interesting year ahead at the Gabba.

It really is awful luck and it's amazing how something so serious (in both hips!) can have gone undetected for so long. He is generally a quick healer so hopefully he'll be back come the middle of the year. Plenty of time to have some brotherly bonding in the rehab room!

Rich is (or at least was, before Hanley's injury) slated to play off half back so my guess would be that Hanley would have gotten the primary tag with Beams the second choice and a defensive forward on Rich. I have them just outside the 8 as they'll struggle to kick goals against the top sides and Patfull is an enormous loss in defence.

SSK · 14-04-2015 2:29am

Very nice interview with Paddy Brophy in The West Australian yesterday

He had 20 touches in the last WAFL warm up game last weekend and from reports was very impressive. I'm quite surprised at his rate of development as I would have expected him to be playing WAFL reserves for at least a few weeks but looks like he'll be playing in the league team this weekend.

bruschi · 14-04-2015 11:32am

SSK wrote: »

Very nice interview with Paddy Brophy in The West Australian yesterday

He had 20 touches in the last WAFL warm up game last weekend and from reports was very impressive. I'm quite surprised at his rate of development as I would have expected him to be playing WAFL reserves for at least a few weeks but looks like he'll be playing in the league team this weekend.

I've been keeping a bit of an eye on him, or as much as one can when in Ireland. Mainly through bigfooty and a couple of friends in Perth who saw him play for East Perth. Only has 4 or so games under his belt but is starting for their firsts, so its a really good start and his level of play is above others who are projected to be making the squad and are in the WAFL. The Eagles are down a few players already in the backline, and its not as if their half backs are anything exceptional, so he could well get a run out late on in the season when they will inevitably be out of finals contention.

shanemkelly · 16-04-2015 11:44am

Carlton's Ciaran Byrne getting a start against the Bombers on Saturday at the MCG! Apparently he's done well in the VFL so hopefully he'll get the AFL CV off to a good start too...

Irish AFL players

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