Colm Begley expects 'steady flow' of Irish players to join AFL
Michael Bolton
Former Laois footballer Colm Begley says he expects a steady flow of inter-county footballers to join Aussie Rules football over the next few years. Begley made the move to AFL during his career.
There were 12 players in the AFL last season, with Kerry's Mark O'Connor and Mayo's Oisin Mullen the success stories as they helped Geelong to the Premiership title.
Mayo's Kobe McDonald is the latest player to make the move, as he will join St Kilda next summer.
Begley, who played in the AFL for the Brisbane Lions and St Kilda, does not expect the same number of men's players to make the move down under compared to Ladies Football, where over 40 have joined the AFLW.
"I think we will see a steady flow of it. There are a lot of players who went out, myself included, who didn't make it and came back.
"I think you will find the top-tier players will always get approached, and there will be a steady flow of them going out there, which is tough on the counties.
"I don't see how you stop it. It is an opportunity for a young person to be a professional athlete. In some cases, they can go over, have an unbelievable experience, come back and be all the better for it.
"I don't think you will see a big jump in it; the numbers will stay regular enough."
Having played for Laois over the space of 15 years, Begley had experience in all four Divisions with his county.
Currently without a win in their first two league games, Laois will be hoping to get back on track when they face Sligo on Saturday.
Begley says Laois can look at fellow Leinster side Louth for inspiration on building up progress, and praised manager Justin McNulty for the impact he has made.
"Sometimes you just need a bit of luck." He says Justin McNulty has brought a serious level of professionalism.
"You look at what Louth have done, they have made a serious jump. Sometimes you just need a good period of a few years to get young lads to the experience level, and to find themselves as players.
"I would be hopeful for the next few years."
Louth will likely be fighting for glory in the Tailteann Cup once again, with Offaly first up in the Leinster championship, followed by Kildare, should they win.
Having had their season ended by Westmeath in the Tailteann Cup quarter-finals, Begley is confident any side can make their mark on the tournament.
"The Tailteann gives you another chance in a knockout tournament. The teams that have won it, they have celebrated it incredibly well, all credit to them."
"I think any team in Division Three and Four is going to ask themselves what avenues do we have for success, and how do we measure success, because everyone has a different measure for it.
"The crowds have been good, the games have been decent as well. It has given Limerick a chance to show, here we are, we can win this national title, and leaves us ina great position after."
