Gold Coast Go Irish

[Seldom Seen Kid]

It looks like the Suns have followed numerous other AFL teams in taking on an Irish rookie...

http://www.hoganstand.com/Westmeath/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=144852

I can honestly say that this kid is the most talented teenager in Ireland bar none, and it will be a massive loss to our game if he does go to Australia. If he fulfills even half his potential you'll have a superstar on your hands. He's been dominating adult games since he was 16.

He's probably 190cm + but has great athleticism and speed as well. However he does have a suspect temperament as regards red cards etc but nothing that should be too damaging to his AFL career.

 

[Iva Bigun]

Has he been signed, if so I hope he likes the heat as Qld is going to be a rude shock to his system.

 

[Thermo]

How long term are irish projects players usually?

 

[Iva Bigun]

How long term are irish projects players usually?

Depends on the individual but J Stynes, S Wight, T Kennelly have all become great players in 2 seasons, worth a punt IMO.

 

[Seldom Seen Kid]

http://www.hoganstand.com/Westmeath/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=144896

Looks like its official now according to the player himself. Like as said before this guy is possibly more talented than any other player ever to make the transition to AFL. If he puts his mind to it I'd be amazed if he doesn't make it.

Most of the Irish players either haven't made the grade or are still on rookie lists. Stynes, Kennelly and Marty Clarke (who was homesick and left) are the main successes but keep an eye out for Pearce Hanley at Brisbane this year, he looks to be the next established Irish AFL player.

 

[Horsebox]

http://www.hoganstand.com/Westmeath/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=144896

Looks like its official now according to the player himself. Like as said before this guy is possibly more talented than any other player ever to make the transition to AFL. If he puts his mind to it I'd be amazed if he doesn't make it.

Most of the Irish players either haven't made the grade or are still on rookie lists. Stynes, Kennelly and Marty Clarke (who was homesick and left) are the main successes but keep an eye out for Pearce Hanley at Brisbane this year, he looks to be the next established Irish AFL player.

Or have decided they wanted to come home.

 

[Seldom Seen Kid]

Or have decided they wanted to come home.

In fairness the only one who established themselves and then decided to come home was Clarke. The rest never really go going, although a few had potential (Brendan Murphy at Sydney particularly)

 

[Iva Bigun]

It is a great opportunity for the young man, it will be interesting to see if the Gold Coast being a smaller city with a holiday atmospere and great weather prevents home sickness or insprires it.

He will certainly feel the differance coming from an Irish winter to a Northern Australian Summer. 32 degrees here again today whats the temp in Ireland?

 

[Fat Pizza]

It sounds like he's a bit of a hothead, but as a former Gaelic footballer myself, I'm particularly keen to see him play for the Suns.

Tommy Walsh, from County Kerry is still on the Rookie list at St Kilda, but looks like he could do alright if he gets a chance in the Seniors.

 

[lionshine]

How long term are irish projects players usually?

Pearce Hanley has taken about 3 years to really come on but it was well worth the wait because he has been named in the side for this week and his kicking skills and hand balling skills are really top class these days

 

[Thermo]

Interesting, making my way to the gabba tomorrow so will keep an eye out for him

 

[TheSunGod]

Hanley is going to be a very good footballer - like him a lot

SSK (great username!!) - Heslin sounds very promising. Do you think he'll be capable of eventually playing midfield?

Most of the Irish guys end up as defenders. Don't mind him having a bit of fire either, the professionalism of AFL should turn that into controlled aggression.

Any idea when he's meant to come over to Oz?

 

[Seldom Seen Kid]

Hanley is going to be a very good footballer - like him a lot

SSK (great username!!) - Heslin sounds very promising. Do you think he'll be capable of eventually playing midfield?

Most of the Irish guys end up as defenders. Don't mind him having a bit of fire either, the professionalism of AFL should turn that into controlled aggression.

Any idea when he's meant to come over to Oz?

I honestly don't think anyone could predict whether Heslin could play midfield at this stage, he definitely has the physicality and agility to play in there but it really depends on how he picks up the skills and awareness required to play in there, I would have high hopes though.

I think he'll be rookied next year so he'll be over for pre-season in the October or so.

 

[Horsebox]

Heslin has signed for RICHMOND!
NOT Gold Coast.
From the horses mouth.

 

[Seldom Seen Kid]

Yep looks like it...sorry to the Gold Coast boys, obviously the Irish reporters were getting ahead of themselves during the week

Link Here

 

[Fat Pizza]

Heslin has signed for RICHMOND!

In that case, I hope he's a dud. Richmond are scum.

 

[TheSunGod]

Dodged a bullet there - obviously a poor decision-maker

 

[tigerfansince86]

umad? or ujealous or uboth? lol

 

[Fat Pizza]

Probably mad, but definitely not jealous.