We started it 25 years ago but now we're nowhere to be seen - Ireland.

We started it 25 years ago but now we're nowhere to be seen - Ireland.

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I reckon we ought to look in new directions. If the talent of someone like Paul Magumbwa ( south fremantle ) is any guide then there is a mine of talent waiting to be tapped in Africa. It'll be raw and need to be groomed..but its exciting and bloody good !! and they run all day...ALL DAY !!

what about america or asia? england? we could try newhere, there are many nore countries than just ireland

not a lot of big bodied athletes out of asia... some yes, i grant you...very much the exception!!

You need to look at locales with developing interest in our game and with "known" and quantified athletic possibilities.

for me Africa is the ideal.. .But hey...who cares where they're from !!

The average "sporty" African teenager is going to romp the Beep test...lol

what about america or asia? england? we could try newhere, there are many nore countries than just ireland

Irealnd is the only country which plays a sport somewhat similar to our own.

you may want to check on how many registered players there are now in Africa ??..a makes a mockery of all other comps put together

alipate carlile and david rodan are going to fiji to promote footy.. imagine one of those quick powerfull built ruckman!!

Arn't we off to China to check out the talent?

Arn't we off to China to check out the talent?

No they are looking for a new takeaway outlet for after training. Apparently the boys love the prawn crackers.

Arn't we off to China to check out the talent?

Indeed.

Irealnd is the only country which plays a sport somewhat similar to our own.

huh? there are a lot of athletes from sports that might be able to adapt to AFL at a young age. a well built rugby player or NFL player...i know gaelic is closer to AFL but with good facilities and coaches, anything could be possible

yes apparently 4 21 37 53 and 69 are in reality Honey Chicken, Cantonese beef, prawns in Black Bean , large Special fried rice and home made dim sum !! who'd da thunk !!

huh? there are a lot of athletes from sports that might be able to adapt to AFL at a young age. a well built rugby player or NFL player...i know gaelic is closer to AFL but with good facilities and coaches, anything could be possible

Interesting case in point is that Nick Evans a gifted union player who is currently playing for the All Blacks now, but used to play both Aussie Rules and Rugby Union (which is nothing short of a religion New Zealand) while he was young (at school) simply because Aussie Rules was (is) a summer sport over there.

He played for the junior NZ Aussie Rules team and was offered some kind of contract with Sydney and moved here for a time but went home and back to Rugby. This training has been mentioned quite a number of times and it has been stated that he most likely would have been very good at whichever code he had chosen.

It is often stated that his time in Aussie Rules has made his Rugby game better particularly his kicking, specifically his field kicking and you can definitely see the AFL influence on his kicking style. It is quite unique in the 15-a-side code and bear a striking resemblance to the long punts you see coming off the half back line.

I read in the paper today that Carlton have another Irish recruit so it's obviously a money thing.

Have we had any luck bringing a Chinese footballer to Australia yet?

I read in the paper today that Carlton have another Irish recruit so it's obviously a money thing.

Have we had any luck bringing a Chinese footballer to Australia yet?

There was another story on Ch.7 about it last night, apparently we're going to hand pick 2 15y.o's for scholarships in december, and there's this massive kid who is keen to become a professional footballer, couldn't believe he was only 15!