Irish AFL Players - 2011 Preview

SSK

Just thought I'd throw up a few thoughts on the Irish lads playing with various teams in the AFL in 2011 and the expectations as regards playing time etc. as we move closer to the start of the NAB Cup and the premiership season.

Pearce Hanley (Brisbane Lions) - Played the last 9 games of the season last year and impressed most observers with his pace and skills in an underperforming team. Should start the year in the top 22 and will look to establish himself as one of the main men in the side running off half back

Niall McKeever (Brisbane Lions) - Playing as a Key defender in the reserves last year, he made good progress and improved as the year went on. Will look to continue his development in the 2nds and could be in line for a promotion should injury hit the likes of Merrett or Maguire.

Setanta O'hAilpin (Carlton) - Made a great start to last year before fading. By all accounts not performing great in training so will start the year as a depth player, but should get his opportunities to impress. Will need to in order to secure another contract

Zach Tuohy (Carlton) - The Laoisman is highly rated at Carlton and could be in line to get his first AFL run out in 2011. Starred in a number of reserve games last year and has shown he has the necassary physicality and skills to adapt to the rigours of AFL footy. Possbibly his biggest obstacle is the amount of similar players at Carlton vying for the running half back spot

Paul Cribbin (Collingwood) - Extremely talented 18 year old is the only new Irish addition to the AFL in 2011. Will look to try and adapt to the new game in the reserves and set himself up for a crack at possibly playing a few first team games in 2012/13.

Michael Quinn (Essendon) - A make or break year for the young man from Longford as he looks to try and force himself onto the senior list for 2012 under the management of Bombers legend Hird. Had an up and down year in 2010, when he won the Bendigo Bombers best & fairest, but failed dismally when given the opportunity at senior level. Should get a chance at some stage in during the season and will need to grab it with both hands.

Jamie O'Reilly (Richmond) - Got three games at the end of the 2010 season and impressed enough to be looking forward to more run-outs in 2011. With Hardwick most likely continuing the policy of favouring the youth he should get ample opportunity to showcase his fearless running style and improving skills.

Tommy Walsh (St. Kilda) - Probably the most intriguing player from an Irish perspective as the former Kerry start looks to establish himself in the Saints first team. Played mainly in the back line for the reserves last year and put in some strong performances but he was recruited as a forward and one feels that's where St Kilda would like him to end up. I would expect him to get a couple of opportunities in the firsts in 2011 and it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

Chris McKaigue (Sydney) - Played a lot of solid games for the reserves last year and with a new coaching team in place at the Swans he will be hoping to get his opportunity to impress. Has the obvious benefit of learning from the second best ever Irish import to the AFL...

Tadhg Kennelly (Sydney) - Looked like he was never away in the 2010 season after his year-long sabbatical in Ireland. Still vital to the team structure at Sydney with his dash from the half back line and injuries permitting (currently sidelined with a knee injury) should put in another good year.

Can't wait for the start of the season now

eightyfish

SSK wrote: »

Has the obvious benefit of learning from the second best ever Irish import to the AFL...

Who is the best? (New to AFL)

Xavi6

eightyfish wrote: »

Who is the best? (New to AFL)

Jim Stynes

dahayeser

SSK wrote: »

Just thought I'd throw up a few thoughts on the Irish lads playing with various teams in the AFL in 2011 and the expectations as regards playing time etc. as we move closer to the start of the NAB Cup and the premiership season.

Pearce Hanley (Brisbane Lions) - Played the last 9 games of the season last year and impressed most observers with his pace and skills in an underperforming team. Should start the year in the top 22 and will look to establish himself as one of the main men in the side running off half back

Niall McKeever (Brisbane Lions) - Playing as a Key defender in the reserves last year, he made good progress and improved as the year went on. Will look to continue his development in the 2nds and could be in line for a promotion should injury hit the likes of Merrett or Maguire.

Setanta O'hAilpin (Carlton) - Made a great start to last year before fading. By all accounts not performing great in training so will start the year as a depth player, but should get his opportunities to impress. Will need to in order to secure another contract

Zach Tuohy (Carlton) - The Laoisman is highly rated at Carlton and could be in line to get his first AFL run out in 2011. Starred in a number of reserve games last year and has shown he has the necassary physicality and skills to adapt to the rigours of AFL footy. Possbibly his biggest obstacle is the amount of similar players at Carlton vying for the running half back spot

Paul Cribbin (Collingwood) - Extremely talented 18 year old is the only new Irish addition to the AFL in 2011. Will look to try and adapt to the new game in the reserves and set himself up for a crack at possibly playing a few first team games in 2012/13.

Michael Quinn (Essendon) - A make or break year for the young man from Longford as he looks to try and force himself onto the senior list for 2012 under the management of Bombers legend Hird. Had an up and down year in 2010, when he won the Bendigo Bombers best & fairest, but failed dismally when given the opportunity at senior level. Should get a chance at some stage in during the season and will need to grab it with both hands.

Jamie O'Reilly (Richmond) - Got three games at the end of the 2010 season and impressed enough to be looking forward to more run-outs in 2011. With Hardwick most likely continuing the policy of favouring the youth he should get ample opportunity to showcase his fearless running style and improving skills.

Tommy Walsh (St. Kilda) - Probably the most intriguing player from an Irish perspective as the former Kerry start looks to establish himself in the Saints first team. Played mainly in the back line for the reserves last year and put in some strong performances but he was recruited as a forward and one feels that's where St Kilda would like him to end up. I would expect him to get a couple of opportunities in the firsts in 2011 and it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

Chris McKaigue (Sydney) - Played a lot of solid games for the reserves last year and with a new coaching team in place at the Swans he will be hoping to get his opportunity to impress. Has the obvious benefit of learning from the second best ever Irish import to the AFL...

Tadhg Kennelly (Sydney) - Looked like he was never away in the 2010 season after his year-long sabbatical in Ireland. Still vital to the team structure at Sydney with his dash from the half back line and injuries permitting (currently sidelined with a knee injury) should put in another good year.

Can't wait for the start of the season now

Any updates on how these player are doing in 2011? Here is

Setanta started last season like a train before fading completely? How's he doing this year getting much game time?

Michael Quinn was getting dogs abuse on the Essendon forum last season, worst player ever to line out for them etc.. yet I believe he was player of the year for their 2nds in 2010 .. just struggling to make that leap ..


Tommy Walsh and Zach Tuohy both elevated to senior lists recently so they must be doing well.

Pearse Hanley really started to cut it towards the end of last season when he finally got an injury free run. Anyone know if he has continued in the same vain?

Mr. Guappa

dahayeser wrote: »

Any updates on how these player are doing in 2011? Here is

Setanta started last season like a train before fading completely? How's he doing this year getting much game time?

Michael Quinn was getting dogs abuse on the Essendon forum last season, worst player ever to line out for them etc.. yet I believe he was player of the year for their 2nds in 2010 .. just struggling to make that leap ..


Tommy Walsh and Zach Tuohy both elevated to senior lists recently so they must be doing well.

Pearse Hanley really started to cut it towards the end of last season when he finally got an injury free run. Anyone know if he has continued in the same vain?

Setanta has started getting some game-time again in the last six weeks or so.. hitting six goals in the five games he featured in. Tuohy was involved at the weekend for the first time I think.

Interesting that Marty Clarke is returning to Collingwood once Down get knocked out of the Championship, with a view to having another crack at AFL next year.

bruschi

Hanley is one of the few bright lights at Brisbane too, really doing well at half back.

Tuohy should get more game time which is great.

Setanta seems to be really on the fringes, but is doing well in his dual tall forward ruck role. has had some very good performances, but could yet lose out his place again.

Huge mumblings in St Kilda that Walsh will line out Friday. Montagna is out injured and Lyons said in todays press conference Walsh could be in. Seemingly he'd come in at full back to potentially mark Barry Hall if he plays.

Kennelly is getting some form back after knee surgery, and is looking to re new his contract this year.

As for Clarke, I think he'd be great back at Collingwood. I was really suprised to see him lose out his place before he left, and maybe it was due to his homesickness etc. but there is a spot for him at half back in the Pies team. Leon Davis is there, but could retire this year, and realistically, he isnt a great half back.

Havent really heard how Quinn is getting on at Bendigo this year. Nor the other guys who are playing in the seconds. Suprised Jamie O Reilly hasnt been seen in Richmonds side tho.

jackbhoy

bruschi wrote:

Havent really heard how Quinn is getting on at Bendigo this year. Nor the other guys who are playing in the seconds.

He generally gets mentioned every week as among the best on ground and getting decent goal return. Must be hard for him with all young lads he played with last season getting senior games while he's stuck in VFL. Heppell, Hibberd etc have made really good impact and Quinn looked as good when playing with them last season. Hopefully he gets a few games with seniors to prove himself....

bruschi

jackbhoy wrote: »

He generally gets mentioned every week as among the best on ground and getting decent goal return. Must be hard for him with all young lads he played with last season getting senior games while he's stuck in VFL. Heppell, Hibberd etc have made really good impact and Quinn looked as good when playing with them last season. Hopefully he gets a few games with seniors to prove himself....

hard on him alright, but any time he has had a run out, bar his debut game, he has looked off the pace. maybe its due to him playing in the forwards at Bendigo, but as a half back for Essendon. couldnt see him staying on if he doesnt make it this year though.

jackbhoy

Fantastic stuff from Tuohy today, 20 touches and a great goal, looks like good prospect.

sully5live

jackbhoy wrote: »

Fantastic stuff from Tuohy today, 20 touches and a great goal, looks like good prospect.

Yeah - great match, very close. Tuohy did a nice interview on "The Rub" today on Triple M radio: http://www.triplem.com.au/melbourne/sport/afl/listen

ATB,
Sully

Dubhthamlacht

How did the irish guys fair out over the season?

From what I seen Touhy and McKeever made the breakthrough this year. Hanley is on his way to being an established player. Kennelly had an up and down season before annoucing his retirement. What's the latest with Quinn?

What's the opinions on Walsh, McKaigue, O'Reilly and Cribben? Will they make it next season.

After the disppointment of Down's season and the fan abuse his brother took and I wouldn't be surprised to see Marty Clarke return to Oz.

Caolan Mooney has huge potential, but will he make it?.

SSK

Dubhthamlacht wrote: »

How did the irish guys fair out over the season?

From what I seen Touhy and McKeever made the breakthrough this year. Hanley is on his way to being an established player. Kennelly had an up and down season before annoucing his retirement. What's the latest with Quinn?

What's the opinions on Walsh, McKaigue, O'Reilly and Cribben? Will they make it next season.

After the disppointment of Down's season and the fan abuse his brother took and I wouldn't be surprised to see Marty Clarke return to Oz.

Caolan Mooney has huge potential, but will he make it?.

I'll be putting up a comprehensive review in the next couple of days actually which will cover all the players above.

Quinn is done with Essendon unless he gets promoted to the main playing list which is highly unlikely. He's a decent player at VFL level (2nd tier) but ultimately has too many flaws to make it.

Walsh, O'Reilly and McKaigue will all be given 3rd year rookie contracts. I'd be very surprised if Walsh isn't starting regularly for the Saints next year, he looked really good in the reserves towards the end of the year. O'Reilly has a chance and has looked ok to date so it could go either way, McKaigue is very unlikely to make it.

I expect Tuohy to really star next year in a premiership chasing team.

SSK

So after a long season, my final Irish players review is below. Once again any feedback, comments and corrections welcome!

2011 Irish AFL Players Season Review

Pearce Hanley (Brisbane Lions)

22 AFL Games
3 Goals, 20.4 disposals per game
4th in Brisbane Lions Best & Fairest

Without doubt the Irish AFL player of the season, Hanley had an excellent year in a struggling Lions side. He played every game of the season, predominantly in the back line but floating into midfield at times also. His ability to provide run out of defence allied with generally accurate kicking gave the Lions a good attacking platform and his consistent form over the year resulted in a highly commendable 4th place in the B&F. Hanley has talked about moving more into the midfield next season but for the time being Michael Voss must be very happy with his form in the back half. Expect even more in 2012.

Niall McKeever (Brisbane Lions)

10 AFL Games
1 Goal, 10.7 disposals per game
Selection to the Queensland State Representative Team

Another genuine Irish success story for the Brisbane Lions this year, McKeever played the final 10 games of the season as a key position defender, also spending some time in the ruck. While he looks awkward at times, particularly due to his unorthodox kicking style, McKeever has made major progress on the defensive side of his game and did not disgrace himself even against the likes of Collingwood star Travis Cloke. He really does have massive potential and showed enough this season to suggest that he could be a cornerstone of the Lions team for a number of years as his game continues to develop.

Setanta O'hAilpin (Carlton)

8 AFL Games (including 2 finals)
11 Goals, 13 disposals per game

Another up and down year for O’hAilpin with Carlton as he was in and out of the side without really establishing himself. As happened in 2010, Setanta had a number of games where he looked like a genuine star but his inability to back these performances up on a consistent basis casts doubt on his ability to really cut in a side which will surely but gunning for Premiership honours in 2012. He will most likely be kept on as a depth player and his relatively ok performances in the ruck (in comparison to previous efforts) added another string of sorts to his bow.

Zach Tuohy (Carlton)

11 AFL Games (including 1 final)
3 Goals, 12.6 disposals per game

In my opinion the most exciting Irish player in the AFL at the moment, Tuohy’s form in VFL for the Northern Bullants was such that the Carlton senior coaches couldn’t ignore his claims any longer and he was thrown in for his debut against Port Adelaide in round 11. After a rather inauspicious first touch (he bounced the ball backwards over his head!) he went on to play a major role in Carlton’s push for the Top 4 which ultimately came up just short. Tuohy was given a taste of finals footy against West Coast playing the second half as a sub and he capped an impressive cameo with a superb goal in the final quarter. Expect big things from Tuohy in 2012.

Paul Cribbin (Collingwood)

0 AFL Games (9 appearances in the VFL)

Performance wise Cribbin’s first year at Collingwood went pretty well as he played a number of games with the reserves in the VFL. Cribbin impressed most onlookers with his poise in defence as well as an aptitude to read the game far beyond his limited experience. Some minor injuries curtailed his development somewhat but if he gets a good pre-season under his belt I would expect him to make massive strides next year and a couple of AFL games should be his target as Collingwood have shown a willingness to play youngsters if their form warrants it.

Michael Quinn (Essendon)

0 AFL Games

I said at the start of the year that it was a make or break season for Quinn and unfortunately things have not worked out as he would have liked. New coach James Hird was unwilling to play Quinn in the first team and his form with the Bendigo Bombers wasn’t up to last year’s high standards either. After 3 years on the Essendon rookie list a decision will have to be made on his future and it would seem highly unlikely that he will be promoted to the senior list so de-listing would appear to be inevitable for the Longford man.

Jamie O'Reilly (Richmond)

1 AFL Game
0 Goals, 7 disposals per game

O’Reilly had his pre-season destroyed with injuries and he spent the first half of the season playing catch up and trying to regain fitness. A number of solid games for the Coburg Tigers in the VFL lead to his one and only AFL appearance of the season in round 23 against Adelaide. That proved to be a quiet outing for O’Reilly but the promise he showed at the end of 2009 will mean he will get another shot in 2012 to impress. A full pre-season will be vital if he is to progress to the first team and subsequently secure his AFL future beyond next year.

Tommy Walsh (St. Kilda)

0 AFL Games

A strange sort of year for Walsh in many respects as he continued his apprenticeship in the VFL with the Sandringham Zebras playing predominantly as a key defender for the first half of the year. Impressive performances lead to continual talk of a potential debut in the AFL at some point but despite numerous emergency list appearances that opportunity did not come. A shift to his more natural forward position towards the end of the year saw Walsh begin to fulfil some of his massive potential and a match-winning 6 goal performance against Collingwood reserves whetted the appetite for what could be a huge 2012 for Walsh.

Chris McKaigue (Sydney)

0 AFL Games

McKaigue played the full season in 2011 in the Sydney reserves and is making slow progress. Playing predominantly as a small defender his defensive skills have improved immensely but his ball use and kicking skills are still not up to AFL standard. He will likely be given a 3rd year on the rookie list but will need to make massive strides in 2012 to progress onto the senior list at the end of next year.

Tadhg Kennelly (Sydney)

19 AFL Games (including 2 finals)
1 Goal, 15.5 disposals per game
Retired after 197 career games and 1 Premiership (2005)

Kennelly had a slow start to the year thanks to injury problems in the pre-season and only made his season bow in round 6 against Carlton. His initial performances were excellent, with the highlight being a 27 disposal game against North Melbourne in round 10 which earned him 3 Brownlow Medal votes. Eventually however his lack of a proper pre-season and the injury toll of the past few seasons caught up with him and as performance levels diminished Kennelly decided to call time on a stellar career after 197 games and a famous premiership in 2005 in which he played all 25 games. Certainly an Irish experiment that worked out well for Sydney!

Bencon

What Counties are Paul Cribben, Jamie O Reilly and Chris McKeigue from? Did they do much at minor/u21 or senior level before heading down under?

n32

Bencon wrote: »

What Counties are Paul Cribben, Jamie O Reilly and Chris McKeigue from? Did they do much at minor/u21 or senior level before heading down under?

cribben = kildare
mckeigue= derry
oreilly = down

google is a quicker way to get an answer than posting in the afl forum:rolleyes:

jackbhoy

Excellent post SSK, very thorough!

Can't really add anything except to say I agree re Tuohy. He seems to really taken to the game and exudes confidence on the field. Looks like he has developed the perfect physique for game too.

Very disappointed about Quinn. After winning best and fairest at Bendigo last year I expected him to push on and make the seniors but seems to have stalled. The game just doesn't seen to come as naturally to him as it does Tuohy, Hanley etc. They might give him another year in VFL though, if he wants it.

SSK

jackbhoy wrote: »

Excellent post SSK, very thorough!

Can't really add anything except to say I agree re Tuohy. He seems to really taken to the game and exudes confidence on the field. Looks like he has developed the perfect physique for game too.

Very disappointed about Quinn. After winning best and fairest at Bendigo last year I expected him to push on and make the seniors but seems to have stalled. The game just doesn't seen to come as naturally to him as it does Tuohy, Hanley etc. They might give him another year in VFL though, if he wants it.

Cheers!

The problem with Quinn now is that he can't be retained on the rookie list (max. of 3 years) so if they want to keep him he has to be put on the main list. I just don't think he's done enough to warrant that which means its the end of the road unfortunately.

Dubhthamlacht

I see rumours today that Marti Clarke has pulled out of the irish selection for the rules match. The papers are saying it's either back to Collingwood or to the new Sydney franchise. A big loss for Down for sure. Will a move back revitalise him like it did for Kennelly?

bruschi

Dubhthamlacht wrote: »

I see rumours today that Marti Clarke has pulled out of the irish selection for the rules match. The papers are saying it's either back to Collingwood or to the new Sydney franchise. A big loss for Down for sure. Will a move back revitalise him like it did for Kennelly?

looks like he has to go to the new sydney side and then be traded to collingwood, similar to Krakouer and Gold Coast deal

duchalla

Tommy Walsh has joined the Sydney Swans from St. Kilda.

http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/newsa....07/default.aspx

http://www.saints.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5315/newsid/125215/default.aspx

jackbhoy

duchalla wrote: »

Tommy Walsh has joined the Sydney Swans from St. Kilda.

http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/newsa....07/default.aspx

http://www.saints.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/5315/newsid/125215/default.aspx

Good move for him I reckon. Despite playing well in VFL and so many saints players underperforming he never got a sniff all year. Now the Saints whinging because he left, saying they wanted him to stay, the management there are a real bunch of clowns!

jackbhoy

Carlton have shown Setanta the door. Have to feel sorry for him, hope he can get something else sorted.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-18/blues-axe-irishman-o27hailpin/3577506

dahayeser

Is there still a chance Setanta could get a club or is he done until next year at best?

I reckon he could have made a fortune without ever needing to keep a fulltime job had stayed with Cork. I wonder has he any regrets, his term with Carlton has been a real rolercoster. He never seemed to be a natural at the game the way he was at hurling. I played against him a few times at Gaelic Football, that didn't seem to come natural to him either. His physic and athletisism would compensate for a lot in any sport though..

Any word on Quinn at Essendon? Did he get a contract?

SSK

Good move for Walsh, I'd expect him to play from day 1 with the Swans. From what I've read the Saints didn't want to let him go but were under massive salary cap pressure and couldn't afford to pay him anywhere near what Sydney were offering. He mightn't have been swayed as easily if he had gotten a few games last year but thats the price they paid.

No word on Quinn but I don't see any way he gets a new contract.

I'd be very surprised if somebody doesn't take a punt on Setanta, he's a proven player and would be handy for most teams. I wouldn't mind Collingwood taking a punt but our cap space is tight enough as it is and we don't really have too many spare spots on the list.

Xavi6

Setanta at Collingwood?! Lol

He's crap, plain and simple. There's a reason why he never established himself as a regular at a club that has had minimal decent forwards for the past decade (Fev, Betts and now Walker the exceptions).

The only club that *might* consider him would be GWS as they seem to be recruiting a lot of experienced players but in terms of ability he's not worthy of a place on most lists imo.

carltonblues

To be honest I think the Swans was definitely the right move for Walsh - St Kilda have missed their chance for a premiership with the current panel, and, I can't see it around the corner exactly, but you'd say he's a better shot at success (and most importantly game time) at Sydney.

Odds he'll inherit the #17?

SSK

Xavi6 wrote: »

Setanta at Collingwood?! Lol

He's crap, plain and simple. There's a reason why he never established himself as a regular at a club that has had minimal decent forwards for the past decade (Fev, Betts and now Walker the exceptions).

The only club that *might* consider him would be GWS as they seem to be recruiting a lot of experienced players but in terms of ability he's not worthy of a place on most lists imo.

Leigh Brown was considered far, far worse than Setanta when he left North and joined us and was pretty much laughed out of the club. We all know how that one turned out

Setanta has been unlucky with injuries but has played some good footy over the last couple of years. Crap players don't kick 4 goals in finals having been injured most of the year. And he did establish himself as a main forward for Carlton in the first half of last year until he lost a bit of form due to a couple of injuries.

Its just a pity he's not a couple of years younger because he would be a good pick up for most clubs. He's never going to be a star but he'll kick his far share of goals and always give 100%.

I still reckon he'll get a gig somewhere though.