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Dublin star among GAA hopefuls to take part in AFL combine in Athlone

The half-back was one of the bright sparks in Dublin's run to the semi-final of the All-Ireland.

[Dublin star Charlie McMorrow.]

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Dublin star Charlie McMorrow.(Image: Mandatory Credit INPHO/Laszlo Geczo)

Dublin half-back Charlie McMorrow took part in a combine training session hosted by AFL side Richmond in Athlone on Monday.

McMorrow was one of the breakout stars of Dublin's season, playing a key role as Ger Brennan's side reached the All-Ireland semi-final before being beaten by Kerry at Croke Park.

Colm Keys of the Irish Independent reports that between 15-20 GAA players took part in the session. These include McMorrow's Dublin teammate Tim Deering, along with Leitrim midfielder Barry McNulty. A number of U20 stars from around the country also took part.

This is the second combine to be hosted in Ireland in recent times, with the Sydney Swans taking a look at prospective AFL players at a session in Roscrea.

It is believed that the Swans are one of a number of teams keeping tabs on Dublin underage star Cian Raftery, with the official AFL website stating earlier this month that as many as five franchises were looking at the youngster, who rose to prominence when he bagged 1-9 against Offaly in a Minor Championship game this summer.

While AFL sides have always retained interest in poaching GAA stars, fans are now hyper-aware that their favourite players could make the move down under following Kobe McDonald's departure just days after winning Sam Maguire with Mayo.

Reports suggest that the GAA are so concerned with how these young stars are being poached, that any notion of the International Rules series returning is on ice until these returns are addressed.

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