AFL SIDE CARLTON have shown ‘genuine interest’ in adding Galway rising star Cillian McDaid to their ranks.
Australian publication The Age are reporting today that the 20-year-old defender has caught the eye of the Melborune club. McDaid was at the AFL’s draft combine recently, as was Kerry’s Stefan Okunbar.
The Caughwell native was central on the Galway team that won the Connacht U21 title earlier this year – he hit three points from play on the night and was named Man of the Match — and he added 1-1 from half-back as the Tribesmen were beaten by Dublin in the All-Ireland decider.
Dual player McDaid has trialed twice in the past with the AFL academy in the US, but has remained on home soil. Both he and Okunbar have been linked with Essendon and St Kilda also.
The Age are reporting that Carlton are particularly interested in McDaid though, who they’d be able to sign outside the draft as an international rookie.
Cork’s Ciaran Sheehan and Louth’s Ciaran Byrne are both on the books at the Blues, although they’ve both been plagued by injury during their time at Ikon Park.
Irish prospects Stefan Okunbor and Cillian McDaid put their hands on the AFL cup as they ponder what might be ! pic.twitter.com/RNs7aoR0wS
— Kevin Sheehan (@AFL_Shifter) September 26, 2017
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