GAA players back on radar in Oz

A significant change to regulations relating to developmental players is likely to see an increase in interest in Irish players by AFL clubs.

In the past, clubs had to place an Irish recruit on the main rookie list even though that wasn’t the case for other international players. That discouraged most clubs from taking a punt.

The AFL have now amended the rule, whereby clubs can now list one Irish player in a list of three extra rookies. This recognises the gamble involved in recruiting and retaining Irish players relative to local talent.

That risk is confirmed by the very small numbers being recruited in recent years and the high percentage of those players who continue to return to Ireland.

At present, there are eight GAA recruits with AFL clubs. Former Young Hurler of the Year, Setanta Ó hAilpín is the longest serving, having joined Carlton at the end of 2003. He is currently a GWS player but is out of action with a cruciate knee injury.

The others are Martin Clarke, Caolán Mooney, Paul Cribbin (all Collingwood), Pearce Hanley, Niall McKeever (both Brisbane), Tommy Walsh (Sydney) and Zach Tuohy (Carlton). Only Cribbin has yet to play an AFL game, although Clarke, Hanley and Tuohy are the only regulars.

Collingwood, Brisbane, Sydney and Carlton have been the traditional recruiters of Irish players but with the rule change, more clubs will be encouraged to join them.

The memo, pertaining to the amendment of the ruling relating to Irish rookies, reads as follows: “The rationale for distinguishing Irish players from other international players in the past had been that Ireland is an established recruiting ground and that Irish players would deny development opportunities to other players eligible under Rule 21.1.2. Further, wealthier clubs with existing recruiting networks in Ireland may have received too great a competitive advantage by being able to use Irish recruits as additional list spots.

“The Commission has resolved that this Rule be relaxed slightly. Clubs may now list one Irish player under Player Rule 21.1.2. This will provide appropriate opportunities for Irish players and recognise the risk in their recruitment, but will not unnecessarily deny other players opportunities under Player Rule 21.1.2 or impact equalisation.”