Australia lifted the Cormac McAnallen Cup in 2010. Who will prevail in the 2011 Series?

On TV: Tonight’s test is not being broadcast live anywhere in Australia, showing on a delay in Melbourne (one hour), Adelaide (90 minutes), Perth (four hours), Sydney (one hour) and Brisbane (two hours). The final test will be broadcast live in Sydney and Melbourne.

12 mins:

Ireland off to great start —  Score 12 points to one! Overs from Walsh, Glynn, Murphy and Kennelly..

13 mins:

A behind from Hanley — 13 points to one. Ireland looking good, dominating possession.

15 mins:

Ireland get first six-pointer through Michael Murphy! Aussies not getting to grip with round ball. Just one behind and even Saints superstar Stephen Milne has put one out on the full. Score Ireland 19-Australia 1.

16 mins:

Milne makes up for his shocking shot at goal scoring Australia’s first over of the night. Ireland lead 19-4.

End of 1st Quarter:

Ireland lead 22 -4. Dominated first quarter. So far game being played in spirit AFL and GAA said they were hoping for during the week. But a bit of niggle between Zach Tuohy and his Carlton club mate Mitch Robinson pre-game! Tuohy said he was looking forward to playing against him during the week.

Quarter time:

The AFL has just shown a tribute to Sean Wight on the big screen. Surely a big motivation to the Irish boys to keep up the good work. Legend of the game and a gentleman.

3 mins:

Ireland start the quarter with two behinds from McKernan and Tuohy!

4 mins:

McKernan makes up for behind getting the first over of the second quarter. Ireland lead 27-4

5 mins:

Another behind for Ireland this time it’s Kieran Donaghy. Time to turn these scoring opportunities into points boys!!

8 mins:

Ireland are making this look easy at the moment — running rings around the Aussies. Tommy Walsh is showing St Kilda and former coach Ross Lyon what they were missing by not selecting him this year. No doubt the Swans will be delighted that their new signing is playing so well in the hybrid game.

10 mins:

Eamonn Callaghan gets a goal!! Ireland continue domination. They lead 35-5

11 mins:

Aussies respond with an over from Nahas. Still trailing 35-8.

13 mins:

Overs for Steven McDonnell and Australia’s Richard Douglas. Ireland lead 38-11 but the Aussies looking like they may have finally warmed up!

14 mins:

Tommy Walsh gets another over and brings Ireland’s lead out to 41-11. Surely the Saints are sorry now?!

16 mins:

Great tackling by Aidan Walsh. Just who is it that usually plays with the full-bodied tackle?! Turns out it’s not such a disadvantage at all …

17 mins:

Aussie captain Brad Green gives his side a massive boost ahead of half time getting the Australian’s first six-pointer of the night. Ireland lead 41-20.

Half time:

Steven McDonnell over just before the siren increases Ireland’s lead out to 24 points. Ireland lead 44-20.

Half time action…

There’s an Irish band playing at Etihad stadium. Great to hear Irish music in the Aussie venue. Even better that there’s a roof. The rain in Melbourne has been heavy this evening and there are possible thunder storms forecast.

But it’s warm and dry in here as humidity is high tonight. Anthony Tohill said he’d prefer if the roof was off as the Irish would be better at dealing with the wind and rain but the boys are playing so well they don’t need nature to help! Can they keep it up in the second half though?

Half time stats show that the AFL contingent on the Irish side are getting the most ball with Brisbane Lions Pearce Hanley and new Swans signing Tommy Walsh top of the disposal count.

The half time warning siren has gone off — the teams are due back out on the field any minute!

3rd Quarter

The Australian boys are out on the field first. Still waiting on the Irish. Clearly Anthony Tohill has a bit to say to the players!

And here they are … Irish team get a much bigger cheer when they come out. As always Irish support for their teams in the southern hemisphere is very impressive.

30 secs:

Impressive start for Tommy Walsh again. Could we be watching the player of the series?!

1 minute:

Michael Murphy gets the first over of the second half. Ireland lead 47-20.

3 mins:

Brad Green misses from in front from a free kick and only manages a behind for the Aussies. It’s unusual for him to miss. His background is soccer and is usually impressive in front of goal …

13 mins:

Been and eventful few minutes here at Etihad. Tommy Walsh scored his third over of the game and just minutes later Emmet Bolton had to be removed from the field after he had a head clash with Mitch Robinson. Hopefully he’ll be okay.

Then while he was being attended to a fight broke out among Irish and Aussies! Mainly handbags but Brendan Murphy was getting involved, catching up with some of the AFL players he used to know!!

15 mins:

Donaghy over for Ireland, they now lead 53-23. Sorry for break in updates – the internet connection dropped out at Etihad, maybe the AFL don’t want us reporting this hammering!

17 mins:

Kevin McKernan scored his second over of the night to extend the lead for Ireland to 59 points to 23 … It’s looking good as we near the end of the quarter…

Three-Quarter time:

Robbie Gray managed an over for the Aussies in the dying moments of the game but it’s looking good on the score board for Ireland going into the final quarter — Ireland lead 59-26.

Quarter-time action:

‘Rocket’ Rodney Eade not looking happy with his boys, but it looks like it’s going to be too late for the Aussies to turn it around. Tadhg Kennelly said pre-match that the AFL players on the side would get extra attention but the Aussies aren’t doing much to limit their influence on the game.

FINAL QUARTER BEGINS!!

2 mins:

Stephen Milne gets the first over of the final quarter but the Aussies still trail by 30 points. It could be too little too late from Tommy Walsh’s former club man at St Kilda.

3 mins:

Ireland respond straight away with a goal from Leighton Glynn they lead 65 to 29!

4 mins:

There’s a Mexican wave going around the stadium but it doesn’t distract Kieran Donaghy from getting a three-pointer … Ireland lead 68-29

7 mins:

Official attendance confirmed as 22,921. The rain wouldn’t have helped with encouraging people off their couch — it was pouring down just before game!

9 mins:

Steven McDonnell gets a six pointer for Ireland!! This is turning into a hammering for the Aussies! Some interesting chants from the crowd regarding the referee I think. But I cannot write them in this blog!

12 mins:

Now for some Aussie chants I can write about. The crowd are singing “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie…” It’s probably a little too late for that…

14 mins:

Another over to Steven McDonnell. He has been outstanding tonight and looks like he’s loving it out there. Ireland lead 77-30.

15 mins:

A consolation over for Essendon’s Angus Monfries. The Bomber is now without Irish company at Windy Hill after Longford’s Michael Quinn was delisted…

Just seconds to go until celebrations …

Brad Green with another consolation over to bring score to 77-36 to Ireland…

Brendan Murphy gets an over just before the siren and …

Full-time:

Ireland win 80 points to 36! An absolutely outstanding performance by the touring party to win the first test. They should definitely finish the job next week. It looks highly unlikely that Australia can recover from such a crushing loss to challenge next week.

So far Colm Begley and Zach Tuohy have been interviewed at the ground — they’re looking happy to come away with a win. The Irish team are still on the field warming down, clearly thinking of the job ahead next week.

Story of the game:

The story of the series so far has to be Tommy Walsh. Having not played a game at senior level all year after former Saints coach Ross Lyon overlooked him for selection, he shone tonight. Consistently overlooked by St Kilda and having failed to debut in his two years at the club, he will now forge a career with the Sydney Swans. Surely Saints fans will be wondering whey they let him go!

More International Rules Coverage:
Irish counting on round ball advantage
Violence won’t mar games, say Rules bosses
Ones to watch: Key men in Irish International Rules bid
Eade targets Irish AFL stars
Tohill hunger sets up rules humdinger

Time's up: Carlton have let O'hAilpín go.

Carlton has announced Setanta Ó hAilpín is no longer required by the club.

It is a blow for the 28-year-old, who joined Carlton in 2005.

AFL rules require the Blues to lose one player before an October 31 deadline. Age has been cited as a factor in their decision to keep the younger Paul Bower over Ó hAilpín.

“This was a very tough decision for us, Setanta has been an important part of our club for seven years since he arrived in Australia from Ireland,” said Carlton CEO Greg Swann.

Swann wished Ó hAilpín the best for the future.

Ó hAilpín has played a career total of 80 games, scoring 67 goals.

He played eight games this season, after injuring his hand in Round 11, however returned to the team in Round 24 and played in Carlton’s two finals matches.

The Sydney-born, Irish-raised former was taken by Carlton in the fifth round of the 2004 Rookie Draft, selection 62 overall as an International Rookie, after impressing recruiters while hurling.

Setanta was elevated to the Carlton senior list in 2005, making his debut in round 7, 2005 against Richmond at the MCG after being involved in the game for less than six months.

In 2004, Setanta represented Ireland in the International Rules Series and was a member of the Club’s 2007 Pre-season Premiership. He did not make Anthony Tohill’s squad for the 2011 series.

The Blues said Ó hAilpín had been an active participant in the Club’s multicultural program, acting as an ambassador for a number of years.

Speaking to the October edition of Live Work Travel Australia magazine Ó hAilpín had stressed he wanted to continue playing for the Blues.

“I want to play football as long as I can. I love Carlton football club and I’m grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me. They took a punt on me when a lot of club’s wouldn’t have. I’ll forever be indebted to them.”

Former Kerry GAA star Tommy Walsh is keen to make his debut. (Pic supplied by www.sydneyswans.com.au)

Tommy Walsh has said he is ‘desperate as ever’ to play his first competitive AFL game, after his move to Sydney Swans yesterday.

The move was clinched in the dying minutes of Trade Week.

“It was a tough day,” said Walsh. “It got down to the last fifteen minutes, I think, but it was a big weight of my shoulders when it finally came through. I’m just delighted to be here and looking forward to it.”

The 23-year-old said that Swans coach John Longmire and club officials had been very convincing in getting him to join the club.

Walsh said he was ‘desperate as ever’ to play his first full AFL game and acknowledged that the last two years at St Kilda had been frustrating.

“I’m just going to try move on now and get stuck into it here and try make my debut,” he told SwansTV.

Walsh also said that retired Swan Tadhg Kennelly — who gave GAA coaching to the Tralee native when he was a child — had been helping him since arriving in Sydney.

He expects to move in with Kennelly until he can find his own place in Sydney.

Walsh had been in deadlock with St Kilda after the Melbourne giants blocked his move to Sydney earlier in Trade Week.

However, the Saints subsequently released the Kerryman for picks 35 and 68 and the move was announced shortly before all Trade Paperwork was finished.

Longmire yesterday said the 23-year-old Tralee native was a good prospect.

“Tommy hasn’t played a senior game yet but we think he’s a fantastic key position prospect. He’s aggressive and he’s 194cms and 97 kilograms. He competes really well and he can play at either end of the ground,’’ Longmire said.

Although Walsh did not play an AFL game in two years with the Saints, he was considered a key prospect by the Seaford outfit and excited fans with his performances in the Victorian Football League.

Richmond and Melbourne had also made approaches to St Kilda, who have expressed their disappointment at seeing him go.

“The Club reluctantly engaged in discussions with the Sydney Swans on the last day of Trade Week when it was clear that Tommy wouldn’t be returning to the Saints,” a Saints statement said.

The club said coach Scott Watters had offered Walsh a new contract offer and elevation to the primary list in a bid to keep him there.

“The Club, and no doubt Saints supporters, are disappointed but every effort was made to convince Tommy to stick around.”

The Tralee tyro was believed to be attracted to Sydney’s proven ability to develop and promote converted players, such as his good friend Tadhg Kennelly. Kennelly is understood to have been influential in making the move happen.

Meanhwile, Setanta Ó hAilpín looks to be staying at the Carlton Blues as a Trade Week move failed to materialise for the Corkman.

Additional reporting by Luke O’Neill.

Related: Kingdom up in arms over Walsh Wastage (13/08/2011)

The Collingwood Magpies have renewed their interest in re-signing Irish star, Marty Clarke.

Collingwood have left the door open for Marty Clarke to return to the club.

Club sources have confirmed to the Irish Echo that the Down star is in their sights for 2012 following their disappointing loss to Geelong in the Grand Final.

Clarke, who visited Melbourne during the season and held talks with the club, is understood to be keen to return to Collingwood, where he played 44 times between 2007 and 2009.

However, the AFL’s draft rules may yet derail Collingwood’s plans.

The new GWS franchise in Sydney has first call on Clarke if, as is expected, he decides to return to Aussie Rules.

The Irish Echo understands that GWS will pre-sign him and then look to “on-sell” him to another club in return for draft picks and, possibly, other players.

Collingwood is not the only footy club interested in Clarke with Carlton FC confirming its interest in the 23-year-old.

Carlton has an earlier draft pick than Collingwood and therefore better bargaining chips but the player himself will favour his old club.

The Irish Echo understands that outgoing Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse was not interested in re-signing Clarke believing that the Magpies had a number of similar players who were performing well.

However, the replacement of Malthouse with Magpies legend Nathan Buckley as head coach for 2012, is understood to have heralded a change of thinking.

Poor performances by a number of Collingwood’s running backs and midfielders in the Grand Final only sharpened the club’s resolve, the Irish Echo has been told.

Even though the AFL draft is weeks away, The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Collingwood has agreed terms for the return of Clarke.

Jake Niall reported that “Collingwood and Richmond have all but agreed to trades with Greater Western Sydney that will see Irishman Marty Clarke return to the Magpies after a two-year absence, while the Tigers will acquire Steve Morris, the son of ex-Tiger premiership player Kevin Morris.

“In a deal virtually identical to the Andrew Krakouer trade 12 months ago, the Magpies are set to give up their first draft choice, pick No. 25, and receive Clarke and youngster Jamie Elliott, a small forward from the Murray Bushrangers, in return, along with a late pick, likely to be in the 60s.”

Down superstar Marty Clarke will arrive in Australia next week, fuelling speculation that he will return to the AFL.

Down captain Benny Coulter has been quoted in an Irish daily saying he will not stand in Clarke’s way if he decides to return to Collingwood.

Clarke will fly out to Australia after this weekend’s Ulster SFC quarter-final against Armagh for what has been described as “a short break”.

But speculation is rife that he will hold talks with his former club Collingwood about rejoining them at the end of this year.

Coulter says he will respect whatever decision the An Riocht man arrives at.

“There’s no impact on us. As a panel, we know where Marty stands and we back him fully,” he told the Irish Examiner.

“It’s a nice place to live and if he does go back it will be our loss, but I guarantee you every lad will shake his hand and wish him well. Hopefully, he’ll do the business if he does go back there. If he doesn’t go then great, hopefully he’ll win things with us, but there’s no problem. We all know Marty’s situation.”

Clarke walked out on Collingwood in 2009 after he was scouted and signed by the Magpies in 2006.

He was seen as a fantastic prospect in Aussie Rules but decided he was more passionate about playing Gaelic foofball than the Australian game. He scored three points in last year’s All Ireland final but finished on the losing side as Down were edged out by Cork. He was honoured with a GAA All Star for a brilliant season.

Meanwhile, in other positive news for Irish players in the AFL, Tommy Walsh has been named as an emergency for St Kilda this weekend. The Kerryman has been knocking on the door for the Saints during what has been a difficult season so far.

Coach Ross Lyon indicated last week that he planned to elevate Walsh to the senior team this season.

Elsewhere, Setanta O’hAilpín has retained his spot in the Carlton team for this weekend’s clash with the Melbourne Demons.

Tadhg Kennelly’s Sydney Swans have a tricky clash against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) and Pearce Hanley’s Brisbane Lions will be hoping to build on last weekend’s win over North, their first victory of the year, when they travel to Adelaide to face the Crows.

Carlton's 21-year-old Irishman Zach Tuohy

Laois native Zach Tuohy has been named on the emergency list for Carlton’s round six clash with Sydney at the SCG tonight.

His inclusion in the squad comes after Carlton elevated the 21-year-old to the senior list. He replaces Levi Casboult, who is currently recovering from a knee complaint and has been placed on the long-term injury list.

The former Gaelic footballer arrived in Sydney this morning with an extended Blues squad which includes his compatriot Setanta Ó hAilpín. Both Irish men have impressed for the Blues reserves’ side the Northern Bullants, with Tuohy racking up possessions in defence and Ó hAilpín bagging a recent haul of four goals in attack.

While it looks like the Blues’ Irish contingent will remain in the stands for this clash there will be one Irish man on the field. Tadhg Kennelly makes a long awaited return to the Sydney Swans senior ranks after spending the start of the season in the reserves.

The 2005 Premiership medalist played three games for the second rung side recovering from the knee injury he sustained in a training ‘mishap’ in Ireland at Christmas.

While Tuohy will get the chance to see the 2009 All-Ireland medalist in action the Blues have sung the praises of their recently promoted Irish signing.

“His improvement has been rapid. He’s had two intense years here,” Steven Icke, Carlton’s General Manager of football operations said.

“He’s been playing really well (in the reserves)… He has genuine speed and is an elite kick.”

Jim Stynes with wife Sam.

Melbourne Demons FC are hoping to get the green light from AFL and GAA bosses for an international rules game against Dublin in  honour of their cancer-stricken president, Jim Stynes.

Demons CEO Cameron Schwab told the Irish Echo while he’s received a “good response” from the AFL following “general discussions” on the idea, official talks have not yet been held with either organisation.

“It is just an idea and a concept at this stage but we think it’s a good idea and we really would love to explore it… but there’s protocol and really it’s the AFL who over time, have built a relationship with the GAA so we’d look to advance it early in the new year.”

Often dubbed Australia’s “most successful sporting experiment”, Stynes was first recruited to Melbourne FC from St Enda’s GAA Club in Ballyboden in 1984, despite having never played Aussie Rules.

The 44-year-old went on to have a hugely successful career with the club and become the only non-national to ever win a prestigious Brownlow medal. He was also inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Stynes became president of Melbourne FC in 2008, a year before he was diagnosed with cancer after discovering a lump on his back. He has since undergone several operations to remove tumours and cancerous tissue, and has also turned to experimental treatment.

Mr Scwab says playing against Dublin in a prestigious venue like Croke Park would be a fitting tribute for the legendary Melbourne player.

“Ron Barassi was still coaching when he thought it was a good idea for a young Irish man to come and play…and one of the first young men he brought over was Jim Stynes.  There’s a heritage in that, to go and play a game against Dublin, and play it in as big a venue as we possibly can.

“The club has been built in some ways, in an image of Jim and his values and his own heritage within the club… and obviously that heritage goes way back further than just our club.”

Off the pitch, Stynes’ dedicated charity youth work with the Reach Foundation, which he founded in 1994, has resulted in him being named 2010 Melburnian of the Year, and twice voted Victorian of the Year. He was also honoured by the Queen with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2007, and was nominated for Australian of the Year 2011.

Melbourne FC Chief Cameron Schwab says Jim is on board with the match proposal, as is his brother Brian Stynes who himself played for Dublin in the 1995 All-Ireland final.

“I’ve had a long chat with Brian about it…and there’s a number of other lads who’ve played for Melbourne and have been around Melbourne who came from Ireland over the years…. like Sean Wight and other lads who are back in Ireland now.”

The inspirational story of the father of two’s ongoing battle with cancer was detailed recently in an television documentary, Every Heart Beats True: the Jim Stynes story.

It was broadcast here in Australia in September and on RTÉ in Ireland earlier this month.

“We’ve always said that it’s the game’s greatest every story,” says Mr Schwab, “and there still plenty of chapters still to come.”

Action from the first International Rules test in Limerick. Pic: Adrian Melia

A late Bernard Brogan goal kept the International Rules series alive, but Australia will go into next weekend’s second and final Test knowing that a repeat of this superb kicking performance will be more than enough to regain the Cormac McAnallen Cup.

Mick Malthouse’s visitors were by far the better team throughout an entirely forgettable game which only came to life minutes from the end when Ireland staged an unlikely rally.

In the end the gap was reduced to seven, but the Adam Goodes led Aussies can take a lot of encouragement from this excellent performance.

Overs (three-pointers) from captain Goodes, James Frawley and Daniel Cross fired Australia in front, and by the end of the first quarter the visitors had established a 12 point lead.

The Mexican waves had begun in the crowd by the time the second quarter was five minutes old, but the 30,177 finally had something to cheer when Daniel Goulding kicked an Irish over.

Ireland’s kicking was shockingly awry throughout this game though, and despite dominating large parts of the second quarter, Anthony Tohill’s men went in at half time trailing by five.

It was 10 minutes into the third quarter before the accurate Australians finally kicked their first behind (one pointer), but the brilliant Leigh Montagna lifted his side with two outstanding long-range overs.

Carlton’s Eddie Betts followed suit minutes later with another superbly taken score, and the Aussies were completely on top leading by 13 points.

The series should have been put completely beyond Ireland’s reach in the fourth quarter when Man of the Match Goodes unluckily saw a fisted effort for goal come firing back off the Irish crossbar.

This miss almost seemed to inspire Ireland, and a late rally of overs, behinds and a magnificent individual effort from Brogan ensured at least some interest in next week’s final Test at Croke Park. On this evidence, however, the attendance might not be spectacular.

Irish coach Tohill agreed that his side’s late rally had rescued the series from being completely beyond salvaging next Saturday night.

“We found it tough to counter the Aussies and it looked like the series was beyond us,” he admitted.

“But the lads dug deep, we threw caution to the wind and it puts us in a decent position for the second Test.

“With 10 minutes to go, it was looking very poor from our perspective. We were nervous and edgy throughout the first three quarters – we were a bit lacking in passion and it is something we are going to have to address for the next game.

“Thankfully we got the goal at the right time and it was a superb strike from Bernard. In the final minutes we poured forward, we put the Aussies under a fair bit of pressure and we got a few scores.”

While Tohill had every right to be disappointed with his side’s display, Aussie boss Malthouse had every reason to be delighted with his team’s effort despite throwing away much of their accrued advantage late in the game.

“It’s just an idiosyncrasy of the game. There can be quick scoring, there can be a rush,” the Premiership-winning Magpies boss said.

“Once the under was scored, the crowd got involved. I still thought we had enough control of the ball so we could win the game.

“There’s always a tendency to overload your back half but I think sometimes that’s a panic and we just backed our forwards to stay where they were and backed our midfielders to get the ball to them.”

All will be decided next Saturday night at GAA headquarters.

International Rules Series – First Test

Ireland (1 – 8 – 10) 40

Australia (0 – 14 – 5) 47

from Aaron Dunne at Pairc na nGael, Limerick

It’s a big weekend for the AFL’s Irish recruits with three players lining out for their clubs in the senior competition.

The Sydney Swans Tadhg Kennelly

It will be an emotional night for Tadhg Kennelly and the Sydney Swans at the SCG as the Harbour City club’s coach Paul Roos and co-captain Brett Kirk make their last appearance at the team’s home ground.

Kennelly has made no secret of his close relationship with Roos, who has been at the helm since the 2002 season when he took over as caretaker coach for the sacked Rodney Eade. Ironically the Swans take on Eade’s current club the Western Bulldogs.

The Swans desperately need a win to cement their spot in the top eight.

Meanwhile Down man Jamie O’Reilly has retained his place in the senior Richmond side for the Tiger’s Saturday clash with St Kilda. O’Reilly made his debut last weekend in the club’s 89-point loss to Carlton.

Mayo’s Pearce Hanley will play his seventh consecutive senior game as the Brisbane Lions take on Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. However he won’t face his compatriot Michael Quinn. Despite being named on an extended interchange bench for the Bombers, he was listed as an emergency player when the final team was released on Friday evening.

At Carlton Setanta O’hAilpin’s remains out of favour. He’s been named on the emergency list for the Blues match against Geelong on Friday night. It’s the sixth week running that the former hurler has been left out of the first 22.

Richmond Tigers Irish defender Jamie O’Reilly makes his debut for the club in this weekends’ clash of the titans against rivals Carlton at the MCG.

The 22 year old former Gaelic football player is the Melbourne club’s first ever Irish player, after picking up the AFL code at a remarkable pace.

The County Down native was first spotted by Richmond recruiters playing U-21s for his county last March, and the following week in an All Ireland semi.

After being offered a trial with the Tigers, he put his commerce degree on hold and made the trip to Australia.

Following an impressive performance at Punt Road late last year, he signed for the Tigers on an international two season rookie contract. “I’m really loving it,” he told  richmondfc.com.au last month.

“It’s everything that I expected it would be, living the professional lifestyle. At home I had a part-time job, was studying full-time and had football five or six nights a week for all different teams.

“So it’s good to be able to concentrate all of my energy on one thing.

O’Reilly also recently told the Irish Echo how he hoped to notch up a senior game in the three remaining rounds of the season.

Now it seems his dream has come true, and after playing for the reserves for the past year, the Irish man will line out on the half back line against Carlton on Saturday.

The AFL rookie will be well represented for the big game, with the Tigers reportedly flying out his parents from Belfast.

He also told the Irish Echo how the dream was to follow the footsteps of fellow Irish players who made their AFL debuts in their first year.

‘You could almost count on one hand the guys who have managed to do it [play in their first year]- like Martin Clarke, Michael Quinn and Colm Begley, so it would be great to do it.

But does he have any hankerings to return to his native Down and Gaelic football?

O’Reilly admits he’s thought about it, but that he has no regrets. ‘I’m out here and I’ve made the decision to pursue another adventure, and I’m fully focused on trying to play senior football’.