Agent Sholly scotches Aussie Rules ‘academy’ plan

AFL AGENT Gerard Sholly has poured cold water on the idea of an Australian Rules “academy” being set up in Ireland.

Sholly, who has been scouting GAA players in Ireland for over a decade, was responding to suggestions that another Australian agent, Ricky Nixon, is to set up an academy in Ireland.

“I don’t think it’s unrealistic if it’s approached in the right way,” said Sholly. “Not if you’re talking purely about a testing camp, but I think an academy is beyond the realms of possibility. I don’t think people would be supporting an academy of Irish players in Ireland. I’m not sure how Ricky is going to go about his business. The bottom line is that there will be interest in Irish players, whether it’s through the process he’s undertaking or through the seasoned people who’ve been coming here for years. I’d say no to plans for an academy but I think the principle of recruitment will continue.”