Fionn O’Hara interview: An AFL dream dies, leaving pro rugby after one day, seeing sport anew

When the dream of a life in pro sport dies, it dies fast and hits hard. Fionn O'Hara is a multi-talented footballer and rugby player, but there was always going to be a steep learning curve for a 'strong-willed' young man when he went after an AFL career. He spoke to Maurice Brosnan

PURPOSE: Fionn O'Hara wants to pursue a career in sports psychology to help young athletes realise they can take the game seriously without letting it affect their self-esteem.

JUNE is the pause before the push. The AFL’s regular season runs into late August. The contract market ignites early and smoulders thereafter. Big stars are nailed down at the start of the year, the rest of the panel gradually drifts into place. Few careers are made or lost in June.

For young prospects, that can mean a long wait. Several Irish players are in that limbo now. Another month, maybe more, before they learn their fate. Almost always the call is the club’s to extend or to delist. Almost.