World Footy News

2010 will see an unprecedented number of players on AFL lists that have come from overseas. We're not talking overseas-born but Australian-raised, but players who actually came to Australia to play in the AFL. In all there are 21 players in this category, though the number is fluid with International Scholarship Listings now occurring regularly.

3 of these players are on AFL senior lists, 10 are on rookie lists, while 8 are International Scholarship Listed. Not counted in the 21 are 2 Papuans unofficially getting experience with Brisbane (through their Reserves) and the Gold Coast.

Of the 21 players 11 are Irishmen, 5 Papuan, 2 Fijian, 1 New Zealander, 1 American and 1 Canadian.

The total could easily double in the next two years. Of course the key number will perhaps be seeing the number on senior lists (3) rise dramatically.

Below is a list of all these internationals. With so many reports coming out there's always the possibility of errors, let us know if you spot any.

Senior Listed

Ireland - Sydney - Tadhg Kennelly
Ireland - Carlton - Setanta O'hAilpin
Ireland - Brisbane - Pearce Hanley

International Scholarship Listed

Fiji - Western Bulldogs - Solomoni Loki
Fiji - Western Bulldogs - Inoke Ratua
PNG - Essendon - David Meli
PNG - Carlton - Peter Labi
PNG - Brisbane - Donald Barry
PNG - Brisbane - Brendan Beno
PNG - Brisbane - Ezra Kautu
NZ - Hawthorn - Kurt Heatherley

International Rookie Listed from Ireland

Adelaide - Brian Donnelly
Essendon - Michael Quinn
North Melbourne - Conor Meredith
Brisbane - Niall McKeever
Carlton - Zach Tuohy
Richmond - Jamie O'Reilly
St Kilda - Tommy Walsh
Sydney - Chris McKaigue

International Rookie Listed from other countries

Canada - Sydney - Mike Pyke
USA - Collingwood - Shae McNamara

Unofficial but associated with AFL clubs

PNG - Gold Coast - Stanis Susuve
PNG - Brisbane - Amua Pirika