The Royal Sampler
Floreat Pica, Bitch!
Ethan Phillips wasn’t a train-on player for Hawthorn, they didn’t even have a list spot; he was a VFL listed player for Box Hill who was told by Hawthorn they were going to SSP him, two days after James Blanck did his ACL in an intraclub.So two Irish players formally on AFL lists who I assume were based in Ireland.
A unique set of circumstances which might enable an exemption from the AFL if asked.
Marty Hore was signed by Melbourne on the opening day of the SSP after playing VFL for two years.
Jed Anderson was signed by the Suns at the start of the SSP after having been delisted by North.
Ditto Liam Shiels who North committed to before the SSP window opened and then signed him on day 1.
There are lots of examples of players committed to or just outright signed before they had a chance to train, making being a train-on player a condition completely superfluous. It isn’t just the Irish players. Obviously though with the Irish, being in another country at the time just makes it more cut and dried that that’s what unfolded.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/875443/...pplementary-selection-period/amp?webview=true