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.