AFL looking to improve relationship with GAA after meeting held

The AFL has said that there is a ‘genuine desire’ to strengthen the relationship with the GAA after talks were held over recruitment protocols.

The meetings come after a turbulent summer of speculation about the future of some of the best prospects in Gaelic Football, with Kobe McDonald and now Finnbarr Roarty both confirmed to be making the move to Australia, while several more minor and U20 players are being recruited.

With the rising tide of Irish players making the jump Down Under, the GAA have been wanting to formalise the recruitment process, instead of the ‘wild west’ approach that has been in place until now.

The meeting took place on Tuesday in Dublin, with AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley, executive general manager of football Greg Swann and general manager operations Tristan Salter meeting with GAA president Jarlath Burns, director general Tom Ryan and director of player, club and games administration Feargal McGill.

The meeting was held, according to AFL.com.au, to discuss ‘a proposed set of AFL-GAA protocols governing the recruitment of Irish players, greater transparency between the two leagues and centralisation of information.

‘The discussion also covered how AFL clubs identify talent and safeguards around recruitment, with recruiters increasing their focus on Ireland again following the coronavirus pandemic.’

Tom Harley spoke about the desire from both sides to strengthen their bond. ‘There is a genuine desire on both sides to continue strengthening the relationship, particularly around supporting Irish players pursuing opportunities in Australia, and we’re excited about what further collaboration between our two organisations could look like.

‘It was an extremely valuable and constructive meeting and reinforced just how strong the relationship is between the AFL and the GAA. We have enormous respect for the GAA, and it was important for us to sit down together in person, understand each other’s perspectives and work through the opportunities and challenges in a really open way.’

The Australian cohort also met with LGFA CEO Lyn Savage about the recent international between Ireland and Australia in the AFLW and how those two organisations work together in the future. There is a desire from Australia to renew the International Rules series in the men’s game, which hasn’t been played since 2017.