Melbourne is one of the clubs that has an interest in 17 year old Irishman Kobe McDonald.

Report: Irish gun set to join the AFL

It would be great to have that Irish connection again.

21 minutes ago, FrothiesLiam said:

Melbourne is one of the clubs that has an interest in 17 year old Irishman Kobe McDonald.

Report: Irish gun set to join the AFL

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2025/11/02/afl-2025-irish-young-gu

“he has interest from Melbourne, St Kilda and Brisbane”.

This is the article from the Irish Examiner referred to in this article —

Mayo prospect Kobe McDonald set to sign for AFL club

1 hour ago, samcantstandya said:

It would be great to have that Irish connection again.

It may as well be me: have a look over on the Club's 'distaff' side, sam! 😄

But I know what you mean 👍

I have no doubt he'll select Brisbane purely because of the Irish connection already on their list.

5 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I have no doubt he'll select Brisbane purely because of the Irish connection already on their list.

Tough list to crack into for a game imho - plus might be too hot up in Vegas for an Irishman

Am I being optimistic - perhaps but hopefully the Legend of the great Jimmy Stynes might influence his decision

For an awful moment I thought this was a Tom McdDonald father-son selection coming up in the next few seasons. I'm sure I saw the a couple of little blonde munchkins climbing on him back during the Covid hubs, and I not ready for the implications of them already being teenagers!

Is there actually room on our list for this guy, we would have to move AMW onto the A rookie list as we would have 3 cat B rookies otherwise, O. Berry, AMW and McDonald. With only 5 spots across the list to fill 7, 8 and 37, rookie White and Sinemma, we would only use 7 and 8 and forgo pick 37 (on-trade for a future F2nd) or use it on White maybe. Not sure how they will make it work. Making LSP a misnomer.

Edited November 2, 2025Nov 2 by Viscount Cardwell
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I made some enquiries with a contact in Ireland who says he’s a promising player, midsized at around 178cm. I still am amazed that the MFC which pioneered the recruitment of Gaelic footballers and had such great early success with Jim Stynes and Sean Wight subsequently completely abandoned the project.

2 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:

I made some enquiries with a contact in Ireland who says he’s a promising player, midsized at around 178cm. I still am amazed that the MFC which pioneered the recruitment of Gaelic footballers and had such great early success with Jim Stynes and Sean Wight subsequently completely abandoned the project.

Just to add to that, just got in contact with someone very well connected at Kode’s county ( Mayo) level who’s opinion I have massive respect for.

“just turned 18 , lightening fast , brilliant in the air and can kick with both feet … prob best prospect to come out of mayo ever”

Very strong praise from someone who wouldn’t give it lightly. I’d be delighted if we picked him up🤞

5 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I have no doubt he'll select Brisbane purely because of the Irish connection already on their list.

Some of them hate the heat. I wouldn't lock Brisbane in.

16 minutes ago, VoiceOfReason said:

Some of them hate the heat. I wouldn't lock Brisbane in.

Okay.

What if I said that he currently follows St Kilda on instagram and a heap of Saints players but doesnt follow Brisbane or Melbourne..?

19 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Okay.

What if I said that he currently follows St Kilda on instagram and a heap of Saints players but doesnt follow Brisbane or Melbourne..?

[censored] me. How the hell are we getting trumped by the Saints again?!

31 minutes ago, Colm said:

[censored] me. How the hell are we getting trumped by the Saints again?!

I dont want to jump to conclusions yet but it is interesting.. let's see what happens when its announced.

4 minutes ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I dont want to jump to conclusions yet but it is interesting.. let's see what happens when it’s announced.

I mean I suppose it wouldn’t be a shock if he went to St Kilda considering that’s where half the Irish start off at when they come out here( myself included). Be a shame though as it sounds like he has a lot of potential.

18 hours ago, Viscount Cardwell said:

Is there actually room on our list for this guy, we would have to move AMW onto the A rookie list as we would have 3 cat B rookies otherwise, O. Berry, AMW and McDonald. With only 5 spots across the list to fill 7, 8 and 37, rookie White and Sinemma, we would only use 7 and 8 and forgo pick 37 (on-trade for a future F2nd) or use it on White maybe. Not sure how they will make it work. Making LSP a misnomer.

AMW is not a cat B rookie anymore.

22 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

I have no doubt he'll select Brisbane purely because of the Irish connection already on their list.

Lions just signed Ben Murphy from Ireland.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1450275/kobe-mcdonald-son-of-an-all-ireland-star-ciaran-mcdonald-set-to-join-st-kilda-saints-in-2026

16 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Okay.

What if I said that he currently follows St Kilda on instagram and a heap of Saints players but doesnt follow Brisbane or Melbourne..?

Damn. Irish players can turn into pretty good players.

At least we're showing an interest again.

A weird side note is that Jack Steele, as captain and all-round good guy, was probably part of the wooing effort until a few weeks ago.

since when could you sign up 17 year olds?

22 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:

I made some enquiries with a contact in Ireland who says he’s a promising player, midsized at around 178cm. I still am amazed that the MFC which pioneered the recruitment of Gaelic footballers and had such great early success with Jim Stynes and Sean Wight subsequently completely abandoned the project.

I agree Jack but the reason we pioneered it was because, as Dick Seddon explained, it was a cheap recruitment option. Unlike interstate or inter club recruiting, we had no opposition and there were no transfer fees to be paid. Perfect for a club with no dough!

But I agree, it's disappointing to see how much other clubs have benefitted and how far we have dropped off the pace.

2 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Saints tend to have strong appeal to the Irish.