World Footy News

With an ever increasing array of international talent in the AFL, or players with strong/recent international links/heritage, it's timely to review how some of them are going now that the 2009 season is underway. Beyond the breakthrough of getting an AFL contract, it remains an uphill battle. In fact for the current crop it seems the biggest challenge at the moment is just getting past injuries to make it onto the field.

Collingwood's Irishmen have had mixed fortunes. Marty Clarke had an excellent round 1 match, spending more time through the midfield and booting 2 goals in his side's narrow loss. Compatriot Kevin Dyas is sidelined with a hamstring injuy expected to keep him out for a further 2-3 weeks.

Carlton's troubled Irishman Setanta O'hAilpin has completed his AFL-imposed suspension for his strike on a team-mate in an internal trial, but is likely to return via the Blues' affiliated VFL side.

Better news for Essendon's Michael Quinn, who only arrived in Australia late last year and got his first match experience five weeks ago. He was interviewed on national television after the Bombers' first NAB Cup match, and has now been elevated from the club's rookie list and is tipped to make his debut this weekend.

Adelaide's first Irish player, Brian Donnelly, is likely to spend his first Aussie Rules season playing with Glenelg in the SANFL. He played his first game in the SANFL Reserves, picking up 9 possessions.

Colm Begley, de-listed by Brisbane and now at St Kilda, was named as an emergency for round 1.

Following the departure of Tadhg Kennelly, Sydney's lone Irish player is Brendan Murphy, but he remains out for around 12 weeks with a shoulder injury. Canadian Rugby recruit Mike Pyke went very close to starting in round 1, and has commenced playing with Sydney's Reserves in the ACT competition. That included a stint in the forward lines, which yielded two goals. See Pyke keeps kicking on.

Aaron Edwards, of Samoan heritage and a supporter of the game there, is currently serving out a club suspension for alleged speeding and drink driving offences - he'll be available from round 5.

Future AFL club the Gold Coast debut in the TAC Cup under 18 competition this weekend, but PNG import Amua Pirika is expected to miss a week or two with injury following a recent trial match.

The debut of West Coast's Nicholas Naitanui, the inspiration behind a surge into Fiji, will have to wait a little longer, with a knee injury sidelining him for another 3 weeks.

And Geelong's Sri Lankan connection, Ranga Ediriwickrama, has a serious hamstring injury, keeping him out for 7-11 weeks.