Tadhg Kennelly says self-belief of Irish AFL draft hopefuls helping them make swift transition

TADHG Kennelly says it’s the self-belief — and not the luck — of the Irish which is allowing them to swiftly transition to the AFL.

Irish AFL hopefuls Conor McKenna and Paddy Brophy before this weeks AFL Draft Combine. Pic: Michael Klein

TADHG Kennelly says it’s the self-belief of the Irish — and not the luck — which is allowing the offshore products to swiftly transition to the AFL.

And the international talent co-ordinator says the two Irish talents invited to this year’s draft combine — which starts at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday — could make clubs scramble for their signatures.

Conor McKenna is hoping to break Stephen Hill’s agility record and is a hot chance to sign at an AFL club this week, while Paddy Brophy is also being examined by a handful of teams.

That pair could follow Padraig Lucey onto AFL lists. The 204cm Irishman won a place at Geelong after narrowly missing the top three in reality television series The Recruit this month.

“These are two of the best Irish kids in the country,” Kennelly said.

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“They were fantastic and really shone with their ability, agility and endurance and they’re good ball users as well.

“They arrived (in Australia) last Saturday and they’ve gone to six clubs since, so there’s a lot of interest in them. There’s going to be a bit of a competitive war to see which clubs get them.”

McKenna stands 182cm and is listed as tough, powerful and explosive while Brophy is a dashing defender out to impress in the sprint testing at the combine.

Brophy, 20, collected 26 disposals and five clearances against the Australian Under-18s this year and Kennelly praised his professional approach and maturity.

Asked why a growing number of Irishmen were starting to flourish in the AFL — Brisbane Lion star Pearce Hanley’s brother Cian has signed at the Gabba and Ciaran Byrne impressed late in the year at Carlton — Kennelly said it was mental.

Irishman Pearce Hanley has been a revelation for the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Peter Wallis

Port Adelaide secured speedy Irishman Daniel Flynn during last year’s combine.

“I think the Irish boys more than anyone have a lot more self-belief than Australian kids,” he said.

“It’s certainly an issue we have here with the Australian kids, I don’t know whether we beat them too hard or they’re looking to be cuddled too much if something goes wrong.

“The Irish boys seem to bounce back and believe in their ability and believe they can do things and you have to when you come to a game and a club that you’ve never played before in your life.”

McKenna, 18, said Kennelly remained the No. 1 role model for Irish talents wanting to take up AFL and he and Brophy hoped to replicate Hanley’s success.

The pair can pick which club they sign with as Category B rookies, where their salaries would sit outside the cap unless they are upgraded and play senior games.

About 10 of the 18 clubs are starting to seriously explore Category B rookies and that number is on the rise.

“The facilities at (AFL) clubs are unbelievable, it’s much better than anything at home because it’s a professional setup and we’re amateurs,” Brophy said.

Originally published as Tadhg Kennelly says self-belief of Irish AFL draft hopefuls helping them make swift transition