Three footballers to join AFL clubs

The Brisbane Lions are set to sign Mayo and Ballaghdereen footballer Pierce Hanley on a two-year contract with the club.

The Lions missed out on Laois' Brendan Murphy, who was reportedly convinced by Tadhg Kennelly to go to the Sydney Swans after seeming set to join Brisbane.

Rounding out the trio of new Irish blood on AFL rookie lists in 2008 will be Armagh's Kevin Dyas, who has accepted Collingwood's contract offer after being given a period to return home and consider the offer.