AFL Invasion

[twohands!!!]

Carlton recruiters around the place at the moment.

Normally it's later in the year when they come over but Carlton are hoping to gain an advantage on the opposition by travelling now. Sound very committed to recruiting more Irish players.

The Category B international rookies aren't counted as part of the salary cap (clubs have a limit on what they can spend on salaries) and also don't count towards the number of players a club can have on their books so are less of a risk compared to other rookie signings.

Also the fact that they are willing to move Monahan from Kerry to Category A make room in their Category B space means they view his chances of making is as very positively given he's only been over there 6 months at his stage.

https://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/news-2024-carlton-blues-executives-travel-to-ireland-attempt-to-recruit-talent-for-academy/fee43fbc-e776-4a2a-b492-456001233115

"And as much as the academy is a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen the men's and women's playing lists, Ireland is by far the most bold component of the plan."

"Carlton's view is Ireland is a largely untapped market, full of incredible athletes and highly competitive performers. "

[twohands!!!]

Kerry, Roscommon and Tyrone prospects all on AFL radar

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

WED, 05 JUN, 2024 - 14:48
MAURICE BROSNAN

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.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41409974.html?utm_source=irishexaminer&utm_campaign=41409974&utm_medium=sportnewsletter

[Blowitupref]

Kerry, Roscommon and Tyrone prospects all on AFL radar

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

WED, 05 JUN, 2024 - 14:48
MAURICE BROSNAN

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.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41409974.html?utm_source=irishexaminer&utm_campaign=41409974&utm_medium=sportnewsletter

Not the most suitable time to be holding trials. Players should be allowed to focus fully on their championship matches.

[twohands!!!]

Not the most suitable time to be holding trials. Players should be allowed to focus fully on their championship matches.

I don't think the AFL teams care all that much about the championship matches.

It's not as if there's any obligation on the players to attend the trials.

[Blowitupref]

Not the most suitable time to be holding trials. Players should be allowed to focus fully on their championship matches.

I don't think the AFL teams care all that much about the championship matches.

It's not as if there's any obligation on the players to attend the trials.

They clearly don't with scheduling trials for this week.

[tonto1888]

Not the most suitable time to be holding trials. Players should be allowed to focus fully on their championship matches.

I don't think the AFL teams care all that much about the championship matches.

It's not as if there's any obligation on the players to attend the trials.

They clearly don't with scheduling trials for this week.

why would they?

[Blowitupref]

Not the most suitable time to be holding trials. Players should be allowed to focus fully on their championship matches.

I don't think the AFL teams care all that much about the championship matches.

It's not as if there's any obligation on the players to attend the trials.

They clearly don't with scheduling trials for this week.

why would they?

Respect.

[tonto1888]

Not the most suitable time to be holding trials. Players should be allowed to focus fully on their championship matches.

I don't think the AFL teams care all that much about the championship matches.

It's not as if there's any obligation on the players to attend the trials.

They clearly don't with scheduling trials for this week.

why would they?

Respect.

LOL

[Armagh18]

Not the most suitable time to be holding trials. Players should be allowed to focus fully on their championship matches.

I don't think the AFL teams care all that much about the championship matches.

It's not as if there's any obligation on the players to attend the trials.

They clearly don't with scheduling trials for this week.

why would they?

Respect.

That'd be like someone robbing your house but stopping to wash the dishes on the way out

[Rossfan]

Tyrone u20 McElholm off to Freemantle for trials

[FermGael]

Ultan Kelm from Erne Gaels and Fermanagh away to Freemantle for a trial as well .

[twohands!!!]

Tyrone braced for Aussie Rules approach for under-20 star McElholm

The teenager, who made his Tyrone senior debut in the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final defeat to Roscommon, has confirmed that if an offer is made, he will sign with the Aussie Rules club.

Tue, 10 Sep, 2024 - 23:00
Francis Mooney

One of Tyrone's brightest prospects is waiting on news from Down Under which could halt his GAA career in its tracks and herald an exciting new life as a professional footballer.

Eoin McElholm has caught the attention of a number of AFL clubs, and impressed during a recent two-week trial with Fremantle Dockers.

The teenager, who made his Tyrone senior debut in the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final defeat to Roscommon, has confirmed that if an offer is made, he will sign with the Aussie Rules club.

"I'm waiting now to hear any word, and we'll just see how things go," he said.

"I was over for trials there for two weeks and I enjoyed my time there."

McElholm was one of the stand-out stars of the Red Hands' All-Ireland U20 triumph this year, scoring seven points from play in the final against Kerry.

He's eligible to compete at U20 level again next season, but the county could be about to lose arguably the finest attacking talent to burst onto the scene since Darragh Canavan emerged a few years ago.

"It would be hard to leave, but there's no guarantees yet," McElholm cautioned.

The future remains unclear until a decision is made by Fremantle bosses, and should they decide against recruiting the GAA starlet, he'll commit all his efforts to representing club and county back home.

"Hopefully then I'll still be playing for Tyrone and playing for Loughmacrory."

McElholm was in sparkling form at the weekend, hitting 1-5 as Loughmacrory reached the Tyrone SFC quarter-finals with a 2-15 to 2-7 win over Galbally.

The club has lived in the shadow of near neighbours Carrickmore throughout its existence, but in recent seasons has been building steadily as an emerging force.

"It's has been building for a few years, and maybe a few more years to get to where we want to be.

"But we're slowly coming, and slowly starting to perform on the big day.

"There were three of us called up to the Tyrone seniors this year, and that's just an indication of how this team is developing.

"And there'll be more on the Tyrone team in years to come hopefully."

An early goal by defender Pearse Grimes provided the platform for a solid performance which saw the St Teresa's lead all the way, comfortably setting up a last eight clash with Dungannon.

"The start definitely helped us get into the swing of things," said McElholm, who added a second goal with a delightful lobbed effort.

"On any other day, they could get the goal, but luckily we were able to create that wee bit of space, to get it, and we took our chance well, and it set us up for the rest of the game." An ethos built around honesty, application and graft served Loughmacrory well throughout a Healy Park tie which saw energy levels maintained from start to finish.

"It's one thing putting the ball over the bar, but it's all about each player on the team working hard, and I thin we showed very good character and workrate.

"When a man needed a bit of help, we were always there to provide it."

Now they're preparing for a massive test against 2020 champions Dungannon.

"They won it a few years ago, they're very experienced, so we're just going to have to work hard and hopefully get over the line."

If he (or any other Irish lads) are going next year it will be confirmed in the next few weeks.

Heard Eoin McEvoy impressed at the trials in Dublin in the last few weeks as well.

[screenexile]

If McEvoy goes that's a huge blow to Derry. Sargent is the next up and coming talent and will 100% be on the AFL radar being the standout performer in Derrys last 2 All Ireland Minor campaigns

[FermGael]

Irish News back page this morning .

Ultan Kelm from Fermanagh and Eoin McElholm from Tyrone are to be offered contracts.

Eoin McEvoy from Derry and David Colbert from Dublin heading out to Australia today to take part in a combine event on the first weekend of October.

Huge losses for all counties but good luck to them.