Tadhg Kennelly was AFL ambassador during the recent International Rules series.

The AFL has released more details about Tadhg Kennelly’s new ambassador role.

Kennelly will be an assistant coach and mentor for the AIS-AFL Academy level two squad under head coach Michael O’Loughlin and alongside assistant coaches Brad Johnson, Matthew Lloyd and Glen Jakovich.

Kennelly will mentor a number of youth teams and players that come to Australia aspiring to play AFL at the highest level, including players from the Under-16 World XVIII and South Pacific teams.

AFL International Development Manager Tony Woods said there is a growing overseas interest in Australian Football.

“There are now more than 100,000 people playing our game throughout the world and with that comes a growing pool of talent. In next 12 months the AFL will conduct International Combines in Fiji, New Zealand, Europe, the United States and China.

“We hope to create a clearer pathway for international players and Tadhg’s life experiences playing AFL at the highest level will be invaluable to young players,” he said.

Kennelly said he was looking forward to working with players either taking on the challenge to adopt to new game or striving to be listed with an AFL club.

“I know from my own experience what it is like to learn new skills, understand a different language and overcome homesickness. It is also appealing to work with the very best emerging talent in Australia with Michael O’Loughlin.

“I’m also looking forward to experiencing coaching for the first time and to work closely with the best talent in New South Wales and the ACT,” he said.

Kennelly retired from the Sydney Swans this year after 10 seasons and 197 games.