Nixon predicts exodus to AFL set to escalate

THE number of young Irish footballers set to be lured by the prospect of full-time sport by AFL clubs will increase, according to sports agent Ricky Nixon.

The GAA has turned down a proposal that the club of any player signed by an Aussie Rules outfit receives financial compensation but the trend looks set to continue, with or without any benefit to those clubs.

Nixon set up a comprehensive scouting network in Ireland last year and is charging clubs for access to his database. At present, five clubs have signed up: Brisbane Lions, North Melbourne, Richmond, Geelong and St Kilda.

He is also acting as agent for players, whatever clubs they go to, and has just helped Antrim player Niall McKeever ink a two-year international rookie contract with the Lions reported to be worth at least a minimum of Aus$120,000 (€68,000).

McKeever caught the eye during Nixon’s trial at the Coolmine Training Complex in Dublin two months ago and according to the Melbourne-based agent, as many as four of the other 22 players that participated in that trial could get the call.

“I expect between three and five players to be invited to Australia before the end of the year. Niall is the first of those five,” said Nixon.

Amongst those who attended in Coolmine were Kerry youngster Barry John Walsh, whose brother Tommy has already been on trial with St Kilda, Derry’s James Kielt, Tomás McCann from Antrim, Monaghan’s Darren Hughes and Armagh midfielder Charlie Vernon. Kielt has said that he will not be moving Down Under.

Nixon insists that clubs will not get involved in a bidding war over players. In fact they will cooperate in instances where they are eyeing the same player.

“When this happens, they share the cost of bringing the player out. Then it is up to the player to decide which club he will join.

“Most of (the clubs) have agreed to keep their financial offers within certain boundaries. It will come down to who the player feels most comfortable with. It often comes down to my recommendation. Some players are just more suited to specific clubs.”

Nixon’s activities in Ireland have not been met with approval by the GAA but his Flying Start Agency is not responsible for all of the traffic to AFL.

Many clubs are acting on an individual basis, with Carlton having already agreed deals with Ciarán Sheehan (Cork) and Zach Tuohy (Laois), while Chris McKaigue (Derry) is currently mulling over an offer from Sydney and Kildare minor Paul Cribbin has just returned from Australia having impressed during trials with Collingwood.

Nixon says that he insists on a club’s representatives meeting a player’s parents before any contracts are signed.

“I refuse to bring anyone (to Australia) until the club has gone over and met with the family and spent time with the family. Previously, most of the players just got on a plane and came over and hadn’t met anyone from the club until they arrived at the airport.”