Rookie Walsh gunning for former Kingdom colleague Kennelly

JUST one game into his senior Aussie Rules career, Tommy Walsh is already planning to take one of the sport’s most successful Irish converts — and one of his closest friends — down a peg or two.

The All-Ireland winner impressed on his debut for AFL giants St Kilda in last weekend’s pre-season NAB Cup clashes with Brisbane and Essendon. While he admits the weekend was only a stepping stone to bigger things, Walsh already has eyes on showdown with the Sydney Swans – and Tadhg Kennelly.

Walsh said: “It would be a great experience to play against him. I’d say there’d be a few texts before that game and we wouldn’t be holding back from one another on the field. It’s just like playing with Kerry and then going back to play with your club. You play against your friends but for that hour you put friendship aside.”

Sixteen months of dedicated groundwork — and a fair few harsh lessons along the way — preceded Walsh’s debut at the Etihad Stadium last weekend. But he is focused on cementing a senior spot with the Premiership season a month away.

“That’s why I came out here, to play senior AFL games. Friday was just a stepping stone, there’s a long way to go yet.

“I’m with a strong team so if I break into the seniors, it will be a big achievement. I want to be playing with a team that’s competitive and looking for success.”

And he credits his development in the harsh climate of inter-county football as being key in making a smooth transition to Aussie Rules.

“I was big enough when I came out here so my strength has always been one of my strengths. If it’s a 50/50 ball I’ll use my strength where as other guys might use their pace.”