World Footy News

 

The Irish Independent newspaper reports that Kildare product, Sean Hurley, will join the club for the 2015 season. Almost buried under the activity of Free Agency and Trade Week, the news is welcomed by the Dockers’ community.

 

According to the Independent, “Kildare footballer Sean Hurley is the latest footballer to try his luck Down Under by signing for AFL side Fremantle. Kildare manager Jason Ryan confirmed that the Johnstownbridge player will not be part of the senior panel next season.”

 

 

“Hurley made his debut for the Lilywhites in 2011 and participated in the draft combine two years ago. He had a trial with the Dockers at the end of 2013 but is now hoping it will be a case of second time lucky.”

 

“Sean has a contract with Fremantle so he is due to go in a few weeks' time,” Ryan told the Kildare Nationalist.

 

“I suppose it’s a shame for Kildare GAA to have guys that you know are extremely talented who you know would be able to help (not being available). The thought of them not being around is disappointing."

 

Daniel Flynn, a Johnstownbridge club mate, is currently with Port Adelaide while Paddy Brophy has been in Australia since last Saturday and visited six clubs ahead of this week’s draft.

 

“You have Daniel Flynn, Kevin Feely (a professional soccer player with Newport County), Sean Hurley and maybe Paddy Brophy as well. To lose four guys from around the same age bracket would be hard to take," Ryan admitted.

 

The Fremantle Dockers’ website goes on to add that, “Kildare Gaelic footballer Sean Hurley will begin pre-season training with the Fremantle Dockers in mid-November after initially trialling with the AFL club last year.

 

“Hurley is a towering midfielder for Kildare, standing at 196cm. The 22-year-old Irishman will join Fremantle as a Category B rookie. Clubs are allowed one Irish player under this category.”

 

“Hurley will arrive in Perth in early November and start pre-season with the 1-4 year group on Monday 17 November. Documentation confirming Hurley’s addition to Fremantle’s list is due to be signed off by the AFL at the end of the month.”

 

 

 

Left and below: Sean Hurley in action at home in Ireland