Kennelly on another scouting mission

November 19, 2015

Australia assistant coach Tadhg Kennelly.
©INPHO/James Crombie.

Tadhg Kennelly will remain on in Ireland after Saturday's International Rules Test to hold his latest combine which he hopes will unearth the AFL's next big Irish star.

The Australian assistant coach, who won an AFL Premiership with Sydney Swans in 2005 before emulating his father Tim and brother Noel by capturing an All-Ireland medal with Kerry in 2009, will hold his fifth combine in Dublin in a fortnight's time.

"I've organised for 25 of Ireland's best 18, 19 and 20-year-olds, hopefully to try and give them an opportunity to go and play in Australia," he said.

And Kennelly hasn't been put off by the high failure rate among young Irish players with AFL clubs in recent years.

"A lot of these boys have actually had links with AFL clubs and have either decided not to go, or stay at home, or it hasn't worked out for some reason," he added.

Meanwhile, the Listowel native has appealed to the Irish public to get to Croke Park this weekend to see what he believes is Australia's strongest ever team in action.

"I think this is the strongest Australian side you'll see.

"I'm trying to say that to the people in Ireland - I'm telling them they've got to come out and see this team because it really is a genuine Dream Team. It's the best of the best. These players are as good as it gets in our country.

"Last time an Australian team set foot in Croke Park they were embarrassed. I think the AFL people were embarrassed by the whole lot and I can guarantee you that won't happen this Saturday."


Most Read Stories