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Sean Wight passed away today after a battle with lung cancer. He was 47. Sean was a GAA player before being recruited by AFL side Melbourne where he played along side AFL legend Jimmy Stynes. Sean was not a smoker and was in apparent good health before becoming aware of the cancer.

I see the good folk of Roscommon want the AFL to pay clubs for players drafted into AFL teams. Good idea methinks. The AFL already pays football clubs in Australia when their players are drafted onto an AFL list. The WAFL (Western Australian) clubs get $36,000 (AUD) when their players get drafted onto the main list. If their players are rookie listed they get $15,000 (AUD). Given the AFL has pots of money (tens of millions) I don't think that is an unfair request especially as it already gets paid to Australian clubs. The GAA should say pay up or the IR fixture is off. If the clubs are earning something when their players are AFL listed the disappointment of seeing a young player change codes will be partially offset by some money to defray the costs of training the lad up.

Former GAA player and AFL legend Jim Stynes has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and starts treatment tomorrow. The Brownlow medallist and AFL consecutive games record holder and current Melbourne Football Club president noticed a lump on his back three weeks ago which turned out to be cancerous and has spread to other parts of his body. Best wishes go to Jimmy and his family as he starts the fight of his life.