TOMMY WALSH’S debut in the AFL next week is a story that will be framed by the sports pages, distilled by short-sleeved press men and is, undeniably, about Aussie Rules.

FORMER Young Footballer of the Year Tommy Walsh is edging closer to the first team with AFL side, St Kilda.

TOMMY WALSH has not ruled out returning to play for Kerry and Kerins O’Rahilly’s in the future.

TOMMY WALSH has failed to make the St Kilda panel for tomorrow’s second round NAB Cup game against Sydney Swans.

BARRY JOHN WALSH has revealed that big brother Tommy isn’t pinning his hopes on becoming an instant Aussie Rules hit with St Kilda.

TADHG KENNELLY made an eye-catching return to the AFL on Saturday as Sydney defeated Carlton in the first round of the pre-season NAB Cup, 71-59.

TADHG KENNELLY’S last game for Kerry was in the All-Ireland final against Cork at Croke Park and he looks set to renew the Kingdom-Leeside battle in the unlikely surroundings of Sydney’s Blacktown Olympic Park tomorrow.

TOMMY WALSH will make his competitive debut in the AFL tomorrow, with St Kilda naming him in their squad for the NAB Cup opener against Collingwood and head coach Ross Lyon promising a likely substitute’s role because he has “surpassed expectations”.

ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon has confirmed All-Ireland winner Tommy Walsh will make his AFL debut in the side’s NAB Cup opener with Collingwood next week.

KERRY have already lost a handful of their victorious 2009 squad and they may face the prospect of losing David Moran to Australia at the height of this season’s All-Ireland championship.

KERRY All-Ireland winner Tommy Walsh looks set to make his competitive Aussie Rules debut next month.

Setanta Ó hAilpín has been banned for four games by the AFL for his attack on Carlton team-mate Cameron Cloke.

GAA chiefs are to meet their AFL counterparts in Dubai next week to rubberstamp a decision to see whether the International Rules Series has a future.

Cork footballer Michael Shields is to pursue a career in Australian Rules after officially signing for AFL Premiership outfit Carlton Blues.

Down teenager Martin Clarke has made an encouraging start to his fledgling Aussie Rules career, starring for Collingwood in yesterday's exhibition match against the Sydney Swans.

Laois youngster Colm Begley has moved a step closer to making his AFL Premiership debut with an elevation to the Brisbane Lions' senior list.

JIM STYNES has slammed the agreement reached between the GAA and AFL aimed at preventing Australian clubs recruiting Irish teenage footballers.

Tadhg Kennelly has been forced to apologise to an Australian Catholic girls school and its principal after a prank backfired on the former Kerry minor footballer.

Setanta O'hAilpin has been given a vote of confidence by Carlton Blues assistant coach Tony Elshaugh ahead of the new Aussie Rules season.