PEARCE HANLEY HAS been named as one of the top 50 current AFL players.
The Ballaghaderreen native ranked in as the 37th best player in the game, which was voted for by his fellow professionals.
Hanley moved Down Under to begin his career with the Brisbane Lions in 2007, leading to his debut the following year. The midfielder’s goal against Gold Coast last season was in the list of contenders for goal of the year, but it is his all around impact that has caught the eye in Australia.
The list, published on the AFL’s official website, describes Hanley as one of the Lions’ ‘most damaging players’ and says his use of the ball is exemplary. Still just 26, he is nearing the peak of his career in Oz and his influence on games has steadily grown over the past three seasons. Hanley averaged 30 disposals per game in his final nine games last year and also kicked six goals in the process.
He won’t see any action in the 2015 campaign until at least half way through following hip surgery that has ruled him out for up to 18 weeks. Hanley was joined in Brisbane by his younger brother Cian last September, who was also scouted by the Lions. The 19-year-old prospect captained the Mayo minor football team in 2014 which reached the All Ireland semi-final.
The AFL season gets underway on Thursday, 2 April with Carlton hosting Richmond.
Originally published at 13.43