Joyce to remain in AFL with Kangaroos

Darragh Joyce.
©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.

Former Kilkenny All-Ireland MHC winning captain Darragh Joyce has been handed an AFL lifeline by North Melbourne.

According to reports from Australia, the 29-year-old from Rower-Inistioge is joining the Kangaroos, just a fortnight after being delisted by the Brisbane Lions. Joyce played just 14 games across four seasons for the Lions, and 13 before that for St Kilda where he began his Aussie Rules career in 2017 as a category B rookie.

Joyce’s signing will bolster North Melbourne’s defensive roster ahead of the new season, but rules out the prospect of him returning to hurl for Kilkenny in the foreseeable future.

Darragh Joyce is joining North Melbourne as a delisted free agent. Paperwork to be completed this week. The Irishman to play for a third AFL club @AFLcomau

— Josh Gabelich (@JoshGabelich) November 2, 2026