KILDARE NATIVE PADDY Brophy is to call time on his Australian Rules career and return home.
The announcement was made this morning by West Coast Eagles, the Perth-based AFL club that Brophy joined in October 2014.
Brophy had been bidding to become the first international rookie to play in the AFL for West Coast Eagles.
He didn’t manage to feature at that level but had played regularly in the West Australian Football League for East Perth.
“It’s disappointing it’s over, but it’s time,” Brophy told the club’s official website.
“I am going home for personal reasons, including homesickness, but I have really enjoyed my time at the club.
“I will always be grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity. It has been a great experience, but I’ll go back home, continue my university studies and play Gaelic football.
“I’d like to thank everyone at both West Coast and East Perth for their support. I have made some life-long friends and have really enjoyed the experience.”
Brophy claimed a Leinster U21 football medal with Kildare in 2013 and progressed to play senior football championship with the county in 2013 and 2014.
His return is a boost to Kildare football with Cian O’Neill’s side having recently clinched Division 2 league promotion.
“It’s disappointing that Paddy has decided to go back to Ireland, but he has been a valuable member of the playing squad,” stated West Coast Eagles general manager of football Craig Vozzo.
“Paddy came to the club as our first international category B rookie and did very well to adjust to our game and the oval ball. He has always enthusiastically embraced the challenge of tackling a foreign game, but could not quite reach the level to play elite football.
“He did play regular senior football at East Perth and always gave himself the best chance of success. We thank Paddy for his contribution over the last three years and wish him every success with the next phase of his life.
“It is difficult relocating to another country, adjusting to the lifestyle here as well as the game itself, but Paddy totally committed to everything required.”
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