World Footy News

AFL club Collingwood today announced that Irish pair Marty Clarke and Caolan Mooney have opted to return to Ireland and, possibly, Gaelic football (But we also hear the Belfast Redbacks might be able to find a spot or two on their list in 2015).

Clarke will be fondly remembered after two stints with Collingwood and a career of 73 matches. The Irishman, with his counter-attacking bent and lengthy kick, made a certain impression when he debuted in 2007.

The call of home drew the popular Clarke back to County Down at the end of the 2009 season and he was absent through the grand final years of 2010 and 2011, but a welcome return in 2012 saw him play a further 27 matches across the next three years. Unfortunately, due to form and injury, he was able to play just one match in 2014.

Mooney followed Clarke’s lead to leave County Down for the life of a professional Australian footballer with Collingwood. With the asset of withering pace, he played four matches in 2012, his first season. Two more appearances followed in 2013 but his progress stalled this year and he was unable to add to his six match tally.

 

“Marty played some excellent football over his time and he can be proud of making the transition from Gaelic football to Australian Rules. At his best, he gave the side real zip and punch,” Collingwood director of football, Rodney Eade, said.

“He was a very popular figure and we wish him well, as we do Caolan, (they) gave us all that they had in their time at the Westpac Centre.”

Marty Clarke:

Debut – 2007

Matches – 73

Disposals – 16.9 avg

Goals – 19

 

Caolan Mooney:

Debut – 2012

Matches – 6

Disposals – 4.5 avg

Goals – 2