AFL attempt never 'a failed experiment' for GAA starlets, insists Conor Nash

The one-time Simonstown Gaels man will be going into his ninth season with Hawthorn in 2026.

Sam Mitchell, Senior Coach of the Hawks, and Conor Nash. Pic: Steve Bell/Getty Images

No player returning to Gaelic football from Australian Rules should be considered to have failed, according to a current Irish AFL star.

Former Simonstown Gaels player Conor Nash, who will be going into his ninth season with Hawthorn in 2026, said the examples of Derry captain Conor Glass and Westmeath’s Ray Connellan have demonstrated players can come back better from their experiences in Down Under.