Kerry, Roscommon and Tyrone prospects all on AFL radar

Tyrone's Cormac Devlin chases down Charlie Keating.

Prospects from Kerry, Roscommon and Tyrone are attracting interest from AFL clubs as another offseason of Irish signings approaches.

It is understood Kerry U20 defender Charlie Keating, who helped his side to the All-Ireland final, is on the radar of Carlton and has already met with club representatives. Keating was named Munster U20 Player of the Year this season.

Man of the Match in the decider, Eoin McElholm, is another notable talent. McElholm was invited to Melbourne last October with Down’s Odhran Murdock, Galway’s James McLaughlin and Cork’s Conor Corbett for two weeks to visit AFL clubs and test alongside Australian prospects. He is one of four players to join the senior setup after their recent success.

Meanwhile, The Irish Examiner also understands Carlton scouts met with Roscommon forward Daire Cregg. The rising Boyle star kicked 0-9 in the Sigerson Cup final for UCD and scored 0-4 in his last two games against Dublin and Mayo in the Sam Maguire SFC series.

It comes amidst a wave of renewed interest in Irish players. Kerry’s Rob Monahan, Longford’s Matt Duffy, Cork’s Liam O’Connell and Monaghan’s Karl Gallagher all made the move in the recent offseason. Brisbane Lions representatives are currently in the country meeting with players. A trial session is scheduled to take place in Dublin this week with a host of young players invited to partake.

It was reported last December that the AFL was due to cease funding for talent camps in Ireland. However, in March clubs were informed at the AFL’s headquarters in Melbourne that the funding was back on.

In April, Carlton sent a crew that included the club boss Nick Austin, national recruiting manager Mick Agresta, footy director and club legend Greg Williams to Dublin. AFLW boss Ash Naulty also made the trip. Geelong AFLW coach Dan Lowther also travelled to meet current and future players.

9News reported that Carlton had launched a three-year strategic plan to draft players through non-traditional means. Ireland is set to be a big part of that $400,000 per year investment.

There are currently 13 Irish players in the AFL.