GAA player recruitment 'top of the agenda' in AFL talks

Kerry GAA chairperson Patrick O'Sullivan accused AFL clubs of operating in 'secrecy' as they recruit Irish players

Oliver Greeves of the Hawks is tackled by Kerryman Cillian Burke of the Cats during the 2026 VFL Grand Final. Pic: Craig Dooley/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Jarlath Burns said discussing the recruitment of GAA players by Aussie rules clubs will be the main priority when the association meets with the AFL at the end of the month.

The GAA is currently in talks with the AFL regarding possible measures to limit the numbers of players moving from Ireland to Australia. One suggestion is that Irish players would be signed as category A rookies rather than category B, which is currently the norm. Signing players under category B status is a low-risk move for clubs.