THERE IS MAJOR speculation over the future of two of Ireland’s most established players in the AFL.
Laois native Zach Tuohy, who is currently out of contract, has been offered a new three-year deal by Carlton FC as he has been linked with other leading Aussie Rules clubs.
While Mayo’s Pearce Hanley is reportedly set to be traded from Brisbane Lions to their Queensland AFL rvials Gold Coast.
Tuohy, who turns 27 in December, became only the fifth GAA recruit to play 100 games in the Australian Football League when he lined out for Carlton against Sydney Swans back in April.
Having initially joined Carlton as an International Rookie in the 2010 draft selection, Tuohy has become an established member of their side.
Carlton CEO Steven Trigg confirmed on their club website that Tuohy has been offered ‘a healthy three-year deal’.
The Portlaoise native has been reportedly linked recently with moves to North Melbourne and Sydney Swans.
“We’d like Zach to stay, he’s got a very healthy three-year deal in front of him and like a bunch of players around the competition at the moment, he’s just weighing up his options, which is not unreasonable,” Trigg said.
“We want him to stay at the footy club, he’s been very durable and he’s a very strong senior player.
“I know there are a couple of clubs having conversations with his management, but we’ll see where that one lands – we’d like him to stay.”
In the case of Ballaghaderreen man Hanley, there are reports today that he will be traded to Gold Coast after nine years with Brisbane.
Hanley’s manager Paul Connors suggested that a move was not a foregone conclusion when speaking at the launch of AFL Trade Radio.
“I think more than likely he’ll be there (at Brisbane) but trade month is a funny period,” Connors said.
“He’s an extremely loyal young man and his brother plays at the club, so it would have to be something that enticed both parties for him to leave.
“He hasn’t requested a trade and Brisbane hasn’t asked me to trade him. It’s a long way from happening.”
Hanley moved to Australia in 2007 before making his debut a year later. The 28 year-old signed a two-year extension to his contract last December, committing his future to the AFL outfit until 2019.
Hanley’s younger brother Cian joined the Brisbane Lions in September 2014. He was recruited by the club despite having torn his cruciate ligament a month beforehand in the All-Ireland minor semi-final between Mayo and Kerry.
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