World Footy News

Irishman Tommy Walsh has advised the Sydney Swans that he will return home to Ireland. Walsh was recruited to the Club via a trade with St Kilda at the end of the 2011 season. He made his AFL debut in round 8, 2012 and played a further two matches that year. Walsh was almost a late inclusion on Grand Final day in 2012, but luck was not with him.  The Swans went on to win the flag that day.

He returned to the team again in 2013 but his season ended when he was struck down with a serious hamstring injury.  Walsh struggled to return this year after that injury but finally played a number of good games in the NEAFL but not good enough to break into the ladder leading AFL team. 

Sydney Swans General Manager – Football, Dean Moore said the Club wished to thank Walsh for his contribution.

Previously at St Kilda he showed great promise playing in the VFL but was not given an opportunity at senior level by coach Ross Lyon who was criticised by many for not trying untested players such as Walsh at AFL level. Walsh was elevated to the senior list at the end of 2010 but did not play a senior game at the club. 2011 he again impressed at VFL level as a ruckman who could play key position forward and back, but could not crack a senior game.

His return to Ireland will no doubt be welcomed by the GAA and his club and county football teams.