Irish Gaelic Football Stars Head to Australia’s AFL: McDonald Joins St Kilda, Murphy Lands with Brisbane Lions
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Two rising stars of Gaelic football have confirmed moves to the Australian Football League (AFL), signaling a continued pipeline of Irish talent to the professional sport. Kobe McDonald, a 17-year-old midfielder from County Mayo, has signed with the St Kilda Football Club in Melbourne, while Ben Murphy, an 18-year-old from County Kerry, will join the Brisbane Lions.
Mayo’s McDonald Embarks on AFL Journey
The St Kilda Football Club officially welcomed McDonald on November 3, 2025, announcing his arrival as a Category B rookie. The Crossmolina Deel Rovers clubman has been linked with a move Down Under for several months, following a breakout debut senior season. McDonald reportedly traveled to Melbourne earlier in the year with the intention of securing a club after completing his Leaving Cert.
McDonald’s pedigree is strong; he is the son of Ciarán McDonald, a Mayo county legend and 2004 All-Star. Ciarán McDonald secured four Connacht titles during his playing career and later served as a coach and selector for Mayo, including a role on the team that reached the All-Ireland final in 2021. The younger McDonald recently showcased his skills with a standout performance, scoring 1-5 in a Man of the Match display against Belmullet in the Mayo SFC quarter-final. He was also a key member of the Connacht minor winning side last year.
Kerry’s Murphy Completes Brisbane Lions Trial
Kerry U20 player Ben Murphy will bolster the Brisbane Lions’ roster after successfully completing a trial in August. The Austin Stacks clubman recently scored 0-3 from midfield in the Kerry SFC final, demonstrating his potential before making the move. Murphy joins a Brisbane Lions squad that already features Irish players Darragh Joyce from Kilkenny and Conor McKenna from Tyrone.
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A Growing Trend: Irish Talent in the AFL
These signings continue a trend of Irish players transitioning to the AFL. The departure of these young athletes represents a blow to Gaelic football, reminiscent of Pearce Hanley’s move to Australia in 2007. Hanley went on to have a successful AFL career, playing 169 games for both the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast.
The influx of Irish talent into the AFL highlights the growing recognition of the athleticism and skills developed through Gaelic football. The league’s continued scouting and recruitment efforts suggest this pipeline will remain strong, offering opportunities for young Irish players to compete at the highest level of Australian rules football.
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