Rumours that Tommy Walsh and David Moran are off to AFL......Would be a huge blow to Kerry.....anyone with any more information on it??
http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2009/0930/walsh_moran.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2009/0930/walsh_moran.html)
Sounds like free holiday time again.
or Gis a Job time.
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
Big loss to Kerry if they go ....I think Tommy Walsh would make it if he settles there.
They'll be home before Christmas.
The silly season has started in earnest.
I'd say this story is a non-runner lads. Hasn't Ogie Moran been quite ill recently? I couldn't see David going if this is the case.
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
I think Walsh is made for it.
Ciarán Sheehan staying at home according to todays Examiner
Do AFL clubs not now have to use one of their rookie picks when taking on Irish players? If so I would have thought they wouldn't risk on any Irish players given few seem willing to stick it out for very long.
Quote from: Rav67 on September 30, 2009, 01:41:55 PM
Do AFL clubs not now have to use one of their rookie picks when taking on Irish players? If so I would have thought they wouldn't risk on any Irish players given few seem willing to stick it out for very long.
Yep Rav - each AFL club can have two international rookies - rookie listed players don't count towards the main list (35 on the main list, maximum 6 rookies).
St Kilda's a beautiful island at this time of year but if they visit later in the year they could be stuck there for weeks with the winter gales.
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 01:12:08 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
I think Walsh is made for it.
Disagree. Think there's more than a touch of yalla in him for a big man.
Quote from: magpie seanie on September 30, 2009, 04:37:42 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 01:12:08 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
I think Walsh is made for it.
Disagree. Think there's more than a touch of yalla in him for a big man.
agreed .. big Joe spooked him last year. the Aussies would have him for breakfast :o
Quote from: Lecale2 on September 30, 2009, 04:02:48 PM
St Kilda's a beautiful island at this time of year but if they visit later in the year they could be stuck there for weeks with the winter gales.
You do know the weather is upside down in Australia?
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 01:12:08 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
I think Walsh is mad for it.
Aren't we all?
Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 05:56:51 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on September 30, 2009, 04:37:42 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 01:12:08 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
I think Walsh is made for it.
Disagree. Think there's more than a touch of yalla in him for a big man.
agreed .. big Joe spooked him last year. the Aussies would have him for breakfast :o
He didn't look too spooked to me.
He's not at all yellow he's just so physically imposing he doesn't have to go in for this nonsense of screaming in peoples faces or trying to act the hard man.
If he does go over there I predict he'll be an instant success.
Wouldn't be so sure- hasn't the gas for the outfield positions so he's s either a full forward or not at all. And as everyone knows that is the hardest position to make it at AFL.
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 06:58:14 PM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 05:56:51 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on September 30, 2009, 04:37:42 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 01:12:08 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
I think Walsh is made for it.
Disagree. Think there's more than a touch of yalla in him for a big man.
agreed .. big Joe spooked him last year. the Aussies would have him for breakfast :o
He didn't look too spooked to me.
He's not at all yellow he's just so physically imposing he doesn't have to go in for this nonsense of screaming in peoples faces or trying to act the hard man.
If he does go over there I predict he'll be an instant success.
so why did he let Joe intimidate him?... he didn't touch the ball after that
Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 07:55:37 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 06:58:14 PM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 05:56:51 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on September 30, 2009, 04:37:42 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 01:12:08 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
I think Walsh is made for it.
Disagree. Think there's more than a touch of yalla in him for a big man.
agreed .. big Joe spooked him last year. the Aussies would have him for breakfast :o
He didn't look too spooked to me.
He's not at all yellow he's just so physically imposing he doesn't have to go in for this nonsense of screaming in peoples faces or trying to act the hard man.
If he does go over there I predict he'll be an instant success.
so why did he let Joe intimidate him?... he didn't touch the ball after that
he's still only a young lad in fairness
Quote from: comethekingdom on September 30, 2009, 07:58:46 PM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 07:55:37 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 06:58:14 PM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 05:56:51 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on September 30, 2009, 04:37:42 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 01:12:08 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
I think Walsh is made for it.
Disagree. Think there's more than a touch of yalla in him for a big man.
agreed .. big Joe spooked him last year. the Aussies would have him for breakfast :o
He didn't look too spooked to me.
He's not at all yellow he's just so physically imposing he doesn't have to go in for this nonsense of screaming in peoples faces or trying to act the hard man.
If he does go over there I predict he'll be an instant success.
so why did he let Joe intimidate him?... he didn't touch the ball after that
he's still only a young lad in fairness
Now now, this is Gaa we are talking about. Where I come form if a 4 year footballer old runs away from an Alsatian dog he is immediately switched to soccer.
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 07:48:51 PM
Wouldn't be so sure- hasn't the gas for the outfield positions so he's s either a full forward or not at all. And as everyone knows that is the hardest position to make it at AFL.
He'll be a centre forward and believe me he'll have plenty of gas compared to the average key position forward in the AFL.
CIARAN SHEEHAN has handed Cork football a massive boost by revealing that he has turned his back on an AFL career with Carlton, citing homesickness as a key factor in his decision to pursue a career in the GAA.
Sheehan, who was a member of the Cork training panel in the build-up to the recent All-Ireland final decider, spent four weeks during the summer in Melbourne with the AFL outfit but found it difficult to acclimatise during that period.
"It's just myself and my mom at home, so homesickness was a really big factor. Being away from home was tough going during those four weeks. It's not that I didn't enjoy the training, once you get into the fitness and conditioning, it was a great experience. I'd be very grateful to Carlton for the opportunity. They'd followed me for a while and the way they kept in touch, and allowed me to make up my mind, is something I'd really admire."
Sheehan admits that being involved with the Cork senior squad this season helped sway him towards sticking with GAA. But despite having made up his mind soon after returning from Australia, he did not want to take the focus off Cork's All-Ireland final preparations by making an announcement about his future.
"About two weeks after I came back, I had my mind made up that I was going to stay in Ireland. I got in touch with Carlton and was in contact with Setanta as well before the All-Ireland. But being involved with Cork before the All-Ireland, I didn't want to affect the lads preparations. Being so young and being brought onto the Cork panel made my decision a lot easier. I'll continue to do both hurling and football with club and college next year definitely. But being a part of the senior football panel this year, it's likely that'll it'll be the football I'll carry on doing next year for Cork."
Meanwhile Collingwood will continue to search for young talent on these shores despite yesterday's confirmation that a second Irish player has decided to leave the club for home in the space of a week. Down's Martin Clarke had already opted to leave to pursue his studies and play for his club and county and it seems now that he was joined on the same plane home by Armagh international rookie Kevin Dyas.
"We'll continue to have a network operating for us in Ireland and if they see players they consider to be prospects we'll still be positive," said Collingwood's chief of football operations Geoff Walsh.
Dyas decision to quit was one reached by mutual consent with the 'Pies' and was made because of persistent injury troubles in Australia as well as an unshakeable bout of homesickness.
"It was not quite as unexpected as Marty," said Walsh. "Kevin tore his hamstring off the bone late last season and had to go through a six-month recovery period. He got back pretty well to play most of this season with the VFL (reserve team), but more so it was the difficulty with his restricted training program.
"I think he had some doubt in his mind, as did our medical people, as to whether he would stand a full, unrestricted pre-season. Given where he's at, we all agreed Kevin would have needed to do every possible thing over the summer to get himself into an elite level of fitness. There was some doubt whether his training would allow him to do that."
This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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Read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/sheehan-rejects-carlton-chance-102179.html#ixzz0ScbbNaKU
Both Walsh and Moran signed their contracts with St Kilda around late June, early July of this year. Deals have been done contrary to what is being written in the newspapers. They kept it quiet as not to unsettle the Kerry squad.
Having watched the Grand Final the last day, I can see them both struggling to make it. I think Ricky Nixon wanted Walsh because he was young player of the year last year, just to make a statement. Walsh and Moran are around 6'5 each....not going to make a whole lot of difference, there are some granny's in Australia who are 6'5!
http://www.saints.com.au/players/tabid/5392/category/rookie/season/2009/default.aspx
Quote from: orangeman on October 01, 2009, 10:26:51 AM
http://www.saints.com.au/players/tabid/5392/category/rookie/season/2009/default.aspx
Am I missing something, whats the relevance of their 2009 rookie list?
Quote from: AFS on October 01, 2009, 10:35:15 AM
Quote from: orangeman on October 01, 2009, 10:26:51 AM
http://www.saints.com.au/players/tabid/5392/category/rookie/season/2009/default.aspx
Am I missing something, whats the relevance of their 2009 rookie list?
Just making the point that's going to be tough out there for any Irish GAA player. Odds IMO are against them making an impact.
Some Kerry lads would say that Walsh might be a bit lazy for the AFL game but has the physique.
Walsh would be too lazy for the AFL?
As a key forward he'll be expected to run out on a lead, catch the ball and then stop.
Do you hear me?
STOP.
He won't have to follow his man up the field.
He will be well able for the physical requirements.
He's 6'5" and already 100kg+.
There won't be many KP forwards bigger than him especially now that he can really hit the gym.
Quote from: Jinxy on October 01, 2009, 10:57:34 AM
Walsh would be too lazy for the AFL?
As a key forward he'll be expected to run out on a lead, catch the ball and then stop.
Do you hear me?
STOP.
He won't have to follow his man up the field.
He will be well able for the physical requirements.
He's 6'5" and already 100kg+.
There won't be many KP forwards bigger than him especially now that he can really hit the gym.
Do you think that he is definitely for staying ? Has a contract been signed ?
He would be well able physicaly for the game - not sure about the engine. But you could be right about him not needing massive stamina in the position that he would play in.
Would the age of the two lads not be a stumbling block. It usually takes at least 12 months for a transition to be made.
If they are AFL ready at 23/24 then they have plenty of years in them.
Quote from: Jinxy on October 01, 2009, 11:54:28 AM
If they are AFL ready at 23/24 then they have plenty of years in them.
true but there are issues with how both players kick the call and this will take time to address
Quote from: Jinxy on October 01, 2009, 11:54:28 AM
If they are AFL ready at 23/24 then they have plenty of years in them.
Big if- too late at 22 in my view. No Irish player has made it that late. A lot easier to learn the skills at 18. Bigger lads than Walsh have gone over and haven't made it. In my view Walsh would be more suited to playing inside centre for Munster.
Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 07:55:37 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 06:58:14 PM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 05:56:51 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on September 30, 2009, 04:37:42 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 01:12:08 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
I think Walsh is made for it.
Disagree. Think there's more than a touch of yalla in him for a big man.
agreed .. big Joe spooked him last year. the Aussies would have him for breakfast :o
He didn't look too spooked to me.
He's not at all yellow he's just so physically imposing he doesn't have to go in for this nonsense of screaming in peoples faces or trying to act the hard man.
If he does go over there I predict he'll be an instant success.
so why did he let Joe intimidate him?... he didn't touch the ball after that
AH Big Joe and his big mouth . he was quiet buck this year .
Quote from: INDIANA on October 01, 2009, 12:50:58 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on October 01, 2009, 11:54:28 AM
If they are AFL ready at 23/24 then they have plenty of years in them.
Big if- too late at 22 in my view. No Irish player has made it that late. A lot easier to learn the skills at 18. Bigger lads than Walsh have gone over and haven't made it. In my view Walsh would be more suited to playing inside centre for Munster.
Who?
Quote from: johnpower on October 01, 2009, 12:56:41 PM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 07:55:37 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 06:58:14 PM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on September 30, 2009, 05:56:51 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on September 30, 2009, 04:37:42 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on September 30, 2009, 01:12:08 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on September 30, 2009, 12:12:41 PM
dont think either would make it to be honest. Both very late to be going over.
I think Walsh is made for it.
Disagree. Think there's more than a touch of yalla in him for a big man.
agreed .. big Joe spooked him last year. the Aussies would have him for breakfast :o
He didn't look too spooked to me.
He's not at all yellow he's just so physically imposing he doesn't have to go in for this nonsense of screaming in peoples faces or trying to act the hard man.
If he does go over there I predict he'll be an instant success.
so why did he let Joe intimidate him?... he didn't touch the ball after that
AH Big Joe and his big mouth . he was quiet buck this year .
irrelevant post
I know this has nothing to do with the thread but worth a look!! If only the All Stars were as much craic......Ya can see why Fev did the damage in Galway the time...seems to like the few jars!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5arZqHVKuA&feature=related
Quote from: ballinaman on October 01, 2009, 02:28:51 PM
I know this has nothing to do with the thread but worth a look!! If only the All Stars were as much craic......Ya can see why Fev did the damage in Galway the time...seems to like the few jars!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5arZqHVKuA&feature=related
Saw that alright. Talk about locked. ;D
Walsh will be back for the start of the NFL next season. If some buck hits him a clatter he'll be looking over to the sideline wanting to be taken off like when Seán Davey ran into him in Tralee.
Quote from: Jinxy on October 01, 2009, 01:01:14 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on October 01, 2009, 12:50:58 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on October 01, 2009, 11:54:28 AM
If they are AFL ready at 23/24 then they have plenty of years in them.
Big if- too late at 22 in my view. No Irish player has made it that late. A lot easier to learn the skills at 18. Bigger lads than Walsh have gone over and haven't made it. In my view Walsh would be more suited to playing inside centre for Munster.
Who?
kevin devine and bernie collins were about 6ft 7 each and didn't make it as forwards. Granted Walsh is a better Gaelic Footballers than either- but I'm not sure thats relevent to AFL. Clarke is about the best minor I ever saw and even he struggled after a while.
Walsh wasn't able to play centre forward against Dublin this year lasted 20mins- there is no way he'd have the mobility for AFL in that postion. Its full forward or nothing. And those guys are the best players on any AFL team. So he would have to be exceptional at AFL to make it in that area of the pitch.
Its a pity if it happens-his best position at Gaelic Football has just been found ie- full forward.
Quote from: INDIANA on October 01, 2009, 03:17:01 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on October 01, 2009, 01:01:14 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on October 01, 2009, 12:50:58 PM
Quote from: Jinxy on October 01, 2009, 11:54:28 AM
If they are AFL ready at 23/24 then they have plenty of years in them.
Big if- too late at 22 in my view. No Irish player has made it that late. A lot easier to learn the skills at 18. Bigger lads than Walsh have gone over and haven't made it. In my view Walsh would be more suited to playing inside centre for Munster.
Who?
kevin devine and bernie collins were about 6ft 7 each and didn't make it as forwards. Granted Walsh is a better Gaelic Footballers than either- but I'm not sure thats relevent to AFL. Clarke is about the best minor I ever saw and even he struggled after a while.
Walsh wasn't able to play centre forward against Dublin this year lasted 20mins- there is no way he'd have the mobility for AFL in that postion. Its full forward or nothing. And those guys are the best players on any AFL team. So he would have to be exceptional at AFL to make it in that area of the pitch.
Its a pity if it happens-his best position at Gaelic Football has just been found ie- full forward.
No they weren't!
6'4" max and nowhere near the physical size & strength Walsh has.
We have not sent over anybody as well equipped as he is to be a key position forward.
Quote from: Jinxy on October 01, 2009, 10:57:34 AM
Walsh would be too lazy for the AFL?
As a key forward he'll be expected to run out on a lead, catch the ball and then stop.
Do you hear me?
STOP.
He won't have to follow his man up the field.
He will be well able for the physical requirements.
He's 6'5" and already 100kg+.
There won't be many KP forwards bigger than him especially now that he can really hit the gym.
The game has changed a lot Jinxy - with flooding defences key forwards are expected to follow their men into their back line. It is not uncommon to have the entirey of both teams at one end of the ground. If Walsh doesn't follow his man he will be dragged. He will be expected to cover a lot of ground in both directions.
The size will come in handy - if he goes to St Kilda he will have trouble getting a key forward position. The Saints have Nick Rewoildt and Justin Kositsche - both are north of 6'5" and very athletic. Rewoildt has the aerobic capacity of a midfielder like Marty Clarke. Kosy has one of the better vertical leaps in the game. Methinks Walsh will play down back as the Saints are little light on in defence.
would Tommy Walsh not be an outstanding Full Back in Aussie Rules?
6'5 strong and extremely athletic,
anytime ive watched Aussie Rules,there seems to be a lack of top class full backs,Matthew Scarlett being the obvious exception.
From todays Indo
Call of club puts cloud over Oz trip for Walsh and Moran
KERRY duo Tommy Walsh and David Moran are not going anywhere -- for the time being at least.
The Kerins O'Rahillys pair, who have been linked with a move to AFL side St Kilda, could yet have considerable commitments with their club who are in with a chance of being the Kingdom's representatives in the race for the All-Ireland club title -- despite the fact that they are out of the county championship.
Club sources are hopeful that the duo will stay on to complete the current campaign.
The Strand Road club face neighbours Ardfert in the club championship final on Sunday week and will be favourites to win that game.
And should they emerge victorious and a divisional side win the county championship -- as has been the case for the past five years -- the Tralee outfit would represent Kerry in the first round of the Munster club championship as divisional teams are not eligible to represent counties. Kerry's representatives start their campaign with a home tie against Cork champions Clonakilty on November 8.
With Moran's father, Kerry legend 'Ogie', manager of O'Rahillys and Walsh's father Sean heavily involved behind the scenes, the pair could find it hard to sever their links with the club in such a scenario -- as was the case for Tommy last year when he remained at home to play in a county championship final replay.
That decision effectively ended his chances of a move Down Under that year as it brought him past the AFL's international recruitment deadline.
Should O'Rahillys win the club championship on October 11, they could know if they are Kerry representatives as soon as seven days later at which stage there may be no club sides left in the county championships. Otherwise they will have to wait until the county final on November 1 to know their fate.
Man of the match in the All-Ireland final, Tom O'Sullivan, believes everything possible will be done to keep the pair at home.
"I don't think the boys are going to walk away from it," said the Rathmore man. "They'll be certainly coaxed into staying back I'd think anyway.
Rosy
"It's a big move for any young guy to go all the way out to Australia for a couple of years. They've a rosy enough life around here. They're winning their few All-Irelands. It's competitive here and I think they'll stay around. They'll be a huge loss if they do go of course."
Nixon is getting desperate it seems :
Aussie Rules players' agent Ricky Nixon has urged Kerry's Tommy Walsh to sign for AFL club St Kilda before it's too late.
Nixon has said that if Walsh doesn't sign before next month's international rookie's deadline, he will be too old in 2010.
It has been reported that St Kilda have offered contracts to Walsh and club-mate David Moran and Nixon told the Irish Sun: 'St. Kilda would have to sign Tommy this year because given his age it's going to be very difficult to sign him in the future.
'The reason he's always denied his interest in playing the AFL is because his father is very influential and doesn't want to upset the big names in Kerry circles.
'He told the Irish media that he was never going to sign for St. Kilda when he came out last year, but that was because he arrived after the draft deadline so they couldn't sign him anyway.
'There are no other AFL clubs in the frame to sign him at this stage. The problem for Irish players is that most of them start learning Australian Rules when they are a lot older than Aussie kids so they don't make it.'
QuoteThe reason he's always denied his interest in playing the AFL is because his father is very influential and doesn't want to upset the big names in Kerry circles.
coming out with that shite might not help his cause.
Quote from: thejuice on October 06, 2009, 02:29:00 PM
QuoteThe reason he's always denied his interest in playing the AFL is because his father is very influential and doesn't want to upset the big names in Kerry circles.
coming out with that shite might not help his cause.
Aye - pure dung.
Looks like it's a done deal as far as Tommy Walsh is concerned.
Bad news for football, but you can't blame him for taking up the offer.
Just so annoying to see players who have come all the way up through the ranks in the GAA, and just when they burst onto the senior scene, they're gone >:(
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26233439-5016212,00.html
Quote
ST KILDA has completed a stunning hit and run raid on Ireland's best young gaelic player, Tommy Walsh, signing him late last night to a two-year rookie deal.
To the horror of the Gaelic Athletic Association and his county, Kerry, Saints list manager Matthew Drain flew from New York to Dublin overnight Sunday to sign Walsh, the winner of the 2008 Young Player of the Year.
Walsh, who is 194cm and weighs 99kg, is a dynamic forward and is considered the brightest young star of gaelic football, comparable in excitement to the AFL's Buddy Franklin.
Irish media have speculated for months on the future of the 21-year-old, believing he would turn his back on an AFL career and remain at gaelic champions, Kerry.
Walsh last night scuttled their dreams.
"I'm very excited," Walsh said. "I'm glad all the speculation is over and I'm looking forward to going over.
"It was a very tough decision ... but it was just too good an opportunity to pass up.
"I'm not under any illusions about what's ahead and hopefully it will work out.".
The Saints swooped last night, which was part of a frenetic four-day round-the-world odyssey for Drain.
Drain flew out of Melbourne Friday lunch-time, arrived in New York on Friday night, left New York for Dublin on Sunday night, arrived in Dublin yesterday and will fly back to New York tonight in anticipation of talking to Luke Ball, who is on holiday, about his future.
Drain said last night it was "very pleasing" to finally sign Walsh. "From our point of point of view it was one of the reasons we gave up pick 16 (for Andrew Lovett) because in the back of our mind we thought we could get him," Drain said.
"He is the best credentialed player to come out of Ireland.
"He's very different to a lot of key forwards going around, he's very agile for his height, he was in the Stephen Hill range in agility testing."
Player manager Ricky Nixon, who 'found' Walsh via his Irish Academy, said last night Walsh would have "the eyes of two countries on him instead of one".
"Hopefully he will revolutionise Irish players in the AFL," Nixon said. "Most, if not all, have been running midfielders but Tommy is a forward and no Irish player has come to play forward in the AFL ... he is a powerhouse player.
"He's built like Wayne Carey and that's not to say he will play like Wayne Carey because he won't, but he is an imposing player."
The Saints will try to fast-track Walsh's development with the view to playing him beside skipper Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke next year.
"He's a born leader, he's from an outstanding family, his father Sean was an absolute legend for Kerry and his two younger bothers are standout players in the juniors."
The GAA and the Kerry heartland will be devastated by Walsh's decision, which comes just weeks after Collingwood pair Marty Clarke and Kevin Dyas returned to Ireland.
Walsh, who will earn about $50,000 per year, will be possibly joined at St Kilda by Kerry teammate David Moran, a running midfielder.
Eye-catching is Walsh's athleticism and, obviously, his size. It puts him in the bracket of Sydney's Adam Goodes, St Kilda's Sam Gilbert, Port's Warren Tredrea and Carlton's Jarrad Waite who are listed as 194cm in the AFL Season Guide.
Walsh spent a week at St Kilda last December and while ecstatic about the experience, he did not commit himself to a potential AFL career.
"I met the first-team coach, the captain Nick Riewoldt and some of the players," he said. "I felt comfortable."
The Saints have tracked him through the gaelic season, while Walsh himself has been developing his AFL skills set. "With most players who come out of Ireland, we watch them, talk to them, and teach them them to kick a drop punt," Nixon said.
"The advantage of him coming out here a year ago is that he's had a Sherrin in his hands for a year to practise his skills.
Drain, meanwhile, is set to seek out Ball in New York on his return tomorrow in the States.
"We'll try to work through things over the next few weeks," Drain said.
Walsh signs two-year Aussie contract
Tommy Walsh
Monday, 19 October 2009 15:33
Kerry forward Tommy Walsh has signed a two year contract with AFL team St Kilda of Melbourne and will depart for Australia in the coming weeks to take up pre season training with his new team.
Walsh is obviously looking forward to his stint Down Under and said: 'I'm very excited. I'm glad all the speculation is over and I'm looking forward to going over to the Saints.
It was a very tough decision but it was just too good an opportunity to pass up. I have got a lot of support from fellow club and county players, family and friends in Kerry. I'm not under any illusions about what's ahead and hopefully it will work out.'
St Kilda General Manager, Matthew Drain, speaking on the club's website said: 'Tommy Walsh is one of the most credentialed players to come out of Ireland.
While he faces hard work to adapt to AFL at the highest level, we are confident that what we have seen of him proves he has enormous talent to become an important player for St Kilda.'
He signed the contract back in late June/ early July. Tried to keep it hush hush until now.
hardly a surprise, kerry will have a decent international rules team yet. . .
Quote from: magickingdom on October 19, 2009, 08:08:02 PM
hardly a surprise, kerry will have a decent international rules team yet. . .
:D
He's joining a squad that is just reaching its peak. I would be sceptical of him making it, but good luck to him. Just don't fecking beat freo.
Quote from: Aerlik on October 20, 2009, 05:32:48 AM
Quote from: magickingdom on October 19, 2009, 08:08:02 PM
hardly a surprise, kerry will have a decent international rules team yet. . .
:D
He's joining a squad that is just reaching its peak. I would be sceptical of him making it, but good luck to him. Just don't fecking beat freo.
It would be very hard
not to. ;D
He should have went to Freo, he would definately get a game there. Aerliks young fella would get a game and hes only 8 ;)
Quote from: Aerlik on October 20, 2009, 05:32:48 AM
Quote from: magickingdom on October 19, 2009, 08:08:02 PM
hardly a surprise, kerry will have a decent international rules team yet. . .
:D
He's joining a squad that is just reaching its peak. I would be sceptical of him making it, but good luck to him. Just don't fecking beat freo.
whats the attributes / lack of that you think he has or hasn't got that might translate to making it aerlik?
St kilda have arguably the finest squad in the AFL. Tough gig for Walsh. They already have a number of top forwards.
No Irish player has made it as a forward. They aren't making it easy for him. He's make a better fullback in my view. But Good luck to him- seems like a nice fella.
Quote from: JimStynes on October 20, 2009, 08:45:29 AM
He should have went to Freo, he would definately get a game there. Aerliks young fella would get a game and hes only 8 ;)
Haha JS, he still raves about you and wonders where you are. the auskick finished about a month ago and he is lost. Still, the pool is there to enjoy.
Agree with Indiana,although it is hard to believe that that St.Kilda team got feckin tanked by Freo two years ago. Should never have let Jeff Farmer go. Come back Farmer, come baaaaaaaack.
FROM RTE :
Ricky Nixon, who brought Walsh out to Australia last year for a trial, spoke glowingly of his potential saying: 'Hopefully he will revolutionise Irish players in the AFL. Most, if not all, have been running midfielders but Tommy is a forward and no Irish player has come to play forward in the AFL. He is a powerhouse player.
'He's a born leader. He's from an outstanding family. His father Sean was an absolute legend for Kerry and his two younger bothers are standout players in the juniors.'[/u]
Wot sort of money r these aussie clubs offering these rookie irish players??????
First of all I wish him well, what young lad would not jump at the chance . And as he has burnt no bridges he will be welcome back in the Kingdom in a few years if he wants and may even come back better and stronger. And that is a bad thought for any fullback.
A huge loss for us though and his scores in the Semi and final were vital in leading Sam home to us this year.
But it opens the door for someone else to step up, if Darragh retires as I think he may and Kennelly returns to Oz as well there will be a few new faces in the Kerry line up next year and that has to be an exciting opportunity for any budding Kerry footballer. There is lots of talent out there in the Kingdom so hopefully Jack and co will bring them through in the League.
Thanks again Tommy and well done on 2 great years service in the Kerry Jersey.
Tommy is dead right to jump at the chance to play professional sport in a country where he can enjoy an exceptional climate and lifestyle for a few years. I think with his rare combination of size, power, speed and skill he should adapt to the demands of Aussie rules.
That being said he will be a huge loss to Kerry and the GAA in general. Outstanding talent who's very exciting to watch for all neutrals as well and kingdom fans. Hopefully Walsh will come back in the future as an even better player. Best of luck to him.
Its going to be tough for Tommy to make it although if he works hard he has probably got more chance than any of the recent irish fellas. Setanta has been doing alrite at aussie rules for the past few years and he wasnt even a footballer but he did work his ass off, i reckon if Tommy wants it and works as hard as Setanta did then he has a real chance of making it. However Setanta joined Carlton when they were the bottom side of the AFL whereas Tommy Walsh is joining St Kilda who are in the top 2 or 3 sides in the AFL right now. This might mean it will be hard for him to get a good run of games for a few years, Colm Belgey only got 1 game this year for St Kilda when they rested about 10 first team players. Would Tommy Walsh want to play in St Kilda 2nds for a few years after starring for Kerry for the past few years???/
Because of his size and strength it would mean that his skills wouldnt need to be as good as what the likes of Martin Clarkes would have needed to be. Saying that his skills will still need to be pretty damn good to play at the elite level of aussie rules. Hope he has a real crack at it, its always good having an irish player to follow in the AFL.
Begley has been delisted and is likely to return to Ireland.
Quote from: county colours on October 21, 2009, 03:37:51 PM
Wot sort of money r these aussie clubs offering these rookie irish players??????
Standard international rookie contract are $50,000 (around 30,000 Euro). I think there is a top up if an international rookie actually plays in the seniors.
Quote from: JimStynes on October 22, 2009, 12:22:38 AM
Hope he has a real crack at it, its always good having an irish player to follow in the AFL.
So you'll be shouting for the Saints next season as well as the drug runners? :P
Quote from: Aerlik on October 22, 2009, 09:05:47 AM
Quote from: JimStynes on October 22, 2009, 12:22:38 AM
Hope he has a real crack at it, its always good having an irish player to follow in the AFL.
So you'll be shouting for the Saints next season as well as the drug runners? :P
I was going to say im shouting for the drug runners but that could mean im supporting Freo or West Coast but i'l be supporting West Coast just and following the progress of the Irish fellas.
Moran's loss shouldn't be underestimated if he makes it down under. He looks like a fine replacement for Darragh Ó Sé. Caught some amount of ball in the first half against Clon. Looks to have bulked up significantly over the past year as well.
Quote from: Donnellys Hollow on November 08, 2009, 02:44:41 PM
Moran's loss shouldn't be underestimated if he makes it down under. He looks like a fine replacement for Darragh Ó Sé. Caught some amount of ball in the first half against Clon. Looks to have bulked up significantly over the past year as well.
[/b]
Kerry paying for St Kilda's development?
Doesn't look promising for Moran.
http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/other-sports/2009/11/23/Nixon-worried-about-Moran-attitude/gnid-59209/ (http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/other-sports/2009/11/23/Nixon-worried-about-Moran-attitude/gnid-59209/)
Quote from: Jinxy on November 23, 2009, 02:01:00 PM
Doesn't look promising for Moran.
http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/other-sports/2009/11/23/Nixon-worried-about-Moran-attitude/gnid-59209/ (http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/other-sports/2009/11/23/Nixon-worried-about-Moran-attitude/gnid-59209/)
Won't be long till they're both home again !
Is it true that of all the Irish players that have tried it in Aussie Rules none have made it as forwards?
Setanta is a forward now.
Played well last season.
Quote from: Jinxy on November 23, 2009, 02:01:00 PM
Doesn't look promising for Moran.
http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/other-sports/2009/11/23/Nixon-worried-about-Moran-attitude/gnid-59209/ (http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/other-sports/2009/11/23/Nixon-worried-about-Moran-attitude/gnid-59209/)
Nixon really showing himself up to a slimy good for nothing. I think thats a scandalous statement to make. Basically saying if he doesn't make it -it wasn't my fault for nominating him.
Maybe he was using Moran to get Walsh signed up and out there. Would be hard for Walsh to come back now after making plans and announcing he was going.
Didn't last long out there -
Kerry footballer David Moran was upbeat about his AFL experience despite not securing a rookie contract with Melbourne's St Kilda Football Club for the coming season after an intensive two week trial period with the AFL side.
Moran commented: 'I had a great time in Melbourne training with St Kilda this past two weeks. I'd like to thank the club for this chance to come into contact with a professional sports set-up and to see if my physical make up and skill set was suited to Aussie Rules.
'It was a big challenge competing in various trails against professional AFL players over a short period especially after a long GAA season but I really enjoyed it and have taken positives from the experience, which I can apply to my own sporting career in the future.'
St Kilda General Manager Matthew Drain, was impressed by David's attitude and willingness to learn over the trial period. He commented: 'We are delighted that David took up the offer of a trial period with St Kilda over the last fortnight as we missed the chance to see him up close last year due to his college exam commitments.
Overall, he did very well showing good endurance and he definitely was not out of his depth in our professional environment."
Drain continued: 'David is only 21 years old but showed a great professional attitude and enthusiasm during his time and his potential as a great all round sports man is obvious. As we know only a very small number of athletes from GAA successfully make the transition to AFL.'
Moran will return home this week to make himself available for selection to his club Kerins O'Rahilly's in the Munster SFC Final against Kilmurry-Ibrickane this Sunday in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick.
Antrim's Tomas McCann is back as well.
Good news for the Narries and the Kingdom .
Quote from: orangeman on December 02, 2009, 11:16:51 AM
Didn't last long out there -
Kerry footballer David Moran was upbeat about his AFL experience despite not securing a rookie contract with Melbourne's St Kilda Football Club for the coming season after an intensive two week trial period with the AFL side.
Moran commented: 'I had a great time in Melbourne training with St Kilda this past two weeks. I'd like to thank the club for this chance to come into contact with a professional sports set-up and to see if my physical make up and skill set was suited to Aussie Rules.
'It was a big challenge competing in various trails against professional AFL players over a short period especially after a long GAA season but I really enjoyed it and have taken positives from the experience, which I can apply to my own sporting career in the future.'
St Kilda General Manager Matthew Drain, was impressed by David's attitude and willingness to learn over the trial period. He commented: 'We are delighted that David took up the offer of a trial period with St Kilda over the last fortnight as we missed the chance to see him up close last year due to his college exam commitments.
Overall, he did very well showing good endurance and he definitely was not out of his depth in our professional environment."
Drain continued: 'David is only 21 years old but showed a great professional attitude and enthusiasm during his time and his potential as a great all round sports man is obvious. As we know only a very small number of athletes from GAA successfully make the transition to AFL.'
Moran will return home this week to make himself available for selection to his club Kerins O'Rahilly's in the Munster SFC Final against Kilmurry-Ibrickane this Sunday in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick.
Why the huge font? Are you disputing what he said?
Great news for the Kingdom. Moran will make a big impact next year IMO.
O Shea is going to sign next year by all accounts.
QuoteO Shea is going to sign next year by all accounts.
Which O'Shea are you talking about? Mayo or Kerry?
Quote from: Tubberman on December 03, 2009, 08:51:18 AM
QuoteO Shea is going to sign next year by all accounts.
Which O'Shea are you talking about? Mayo or Kerry?
If it's Mayo the word I got from Melbourne is that he didn't impress, but that's not gospel by any means
Walsh set for AFL debut
By Daragh Conchir
Wednesday January 20 2010
Kerry's All-Ireland-winning forward Tommy Walsh looks likely to make his competitive Aussie Rules debut next month.
The former Young Footballer of the Year has been earning rave reviews for his efforts in training since joining St Kilda on a two-year international rookie contract in October. His coach, Ross Lyon, is anxious to see how he will fare in first-team action.
With that in mind, the 21-year-old who "physically, is capable of doing anything" has been tipped to be let off the leash in the pre-season NAB Cup against Collingwood on February 19.
St Kilda football manager, Greg Hutchison, conceded that it would be "pretty exciting" to see the big Tralee man set loose.
"The coach will make up his mind about when he plays him but the NAB Cup is interesting because it's an opportunity to try some people that maybe haven't got a background in AFL football," said Hutchison.
Nuances
"It would be pretty exciting if we saw Tommy Walsh run out in Round 1 of the NAB Cup. He can play at either end of the ground and once he understands the nuances of the game, who knows where he's going to go with it all?"
Reports from Down Under suggest that Walsh has got to grips with the oval ball quickly, while his pace for a man of his stature has surprised many.
He has settled in with the rest of the squad, who have quickly christened him 'Ivan', after the blond-haired Russian villain in Rocky IV, Ivan Drago.
"Where he's come from pre-Christmas and when he got here, he's really improved," Hutchison enthused. "Physically, he's capable of doing anything. The greatest challenge for him is learning the the game and its skills, and once he gets a handle on that, physically I think he's got the attributes to make an impact.
"It may work or it may not, but if it does work, we've certainly got a free player, if you like. What he's shown playing Gaelic football, even if we can get a little bit of that, we might have found a player. He's a really quiet fellow but he goes about his business in a really professional way."
- Daragh Conchir
Irish Independent
Like who cares? ::) Joe McMahon made a wee boy out of him
Might not the next time but! Do you think its Joe hes thinking about in this photo:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/st-kilda-saints-coach-ross-lyon-to-let-tommy-walsh-loose-in-nab-cup/story-e6frf9jf-1225821375718 (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/st-kilda-saints-coach-ross-lyon-to-let-tommy-walsh-loose-in-nab-cup/story-e6frf9jf-1225821375718)
Quote from: longrunsthefox on January 20, 2010, 09:43:58 PM
Like who cares? ::) Joe McMahon made a wee boy out of him
In fairness he was a wee boy back then.
(http://resources2.news.com.au/images/2010/01/19/1225821/351986-tommy-walsh.jpg)(http://ploader.net/files/9c9748f560d04220dee085dc66c4f8ba.jpg)
Short article and some pictures
Tommy Walsh plays first competitive action for AFL side St Kilda 12th February 2010
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=7028
Irishman eyes debut
ST KILDA will unveil Irish youngster Tommy Walsh in next week's NAB Cup clashes with Essendon and the Brisbane Lions.
Walsh, 22, who spent last year on St Kilda's rookie list, will play his first game in Saints colours after moving from Ireland 15 months ago.
Saints coach Ross Lyon said on Tuesday he would look to use Walsh in several roles, including as support for ruckman Ben McEvoy.
"(He will play at) full-back and forward. He is a key position player. He might not like hearing he's going into the ruck but it's an opportunity for him," Lyon said.
"He came fourth or fifth in the Sandringham best and fairest (in 2010). It's a pretty high standard and to deliver on that has exceeded everyone's expectation."
source: http://www.afl.com.au/
Good luck to the lad....hope he makes it big time.
There's not a county in Ireland that wouldn't mind having him on their team.