World Footy News

As expected, the Brisbane Lions have cut Irishman Colm Begley from their list. Begley was rookie listed at the end of 2005, debuted late in 2006, and played 19 games in 2007 leading him to be named the Lions' rookie of the year. In a demonstration of just how quickly life can turn against an AFL player, 2008 was spent mostly off the field with a quad injury and with a change of coach Begley's career, with the Lions at least, was ended.

The sudden death decision would seem to be quite harsh given Begley's on field form and may be based more on coach Michael Voss' perception of other aspects of the player. The 22 year old will most likely enter the upcoming drafts in an attempt to continue in the AFL, and must surely be a reasonable bet with a late draft pick, given he has shown he can play the game but would still have some improvement in him.

Up and coming 19 year old Irishman Pearce Hanley, who ironically replaced Begley in Brisbane's side on debut, remains on the club's list.