Kerry manager Jack O’Connor has expressed his belief that both Tommy Walsh and David Moran will play for the county again.
Walsh has already signed a two-year international rookie contract with Melbourne AFL side St Kilda, while rumours persist that Moran may yet join him in Australia.
O’Connor told the Irish Examiner: ‘They would be a massive loss. They are the future of Kerry football but it is very hard for a young fella to turn down that type of opportunity – playing a game professionally in a country like Australia with the weather and lifestyle.
‘Of course they’d be a huge loss, but the fact is there are more people coming back from Australia than are going out there. One way or the other, they’ll be back playing for Kerry in the future.’
Ricky Nixon, who brought Walsh out to Australia last year for a trial, spoke glowingly of his potential saying: ‘Hopefully he will revolutionise Irish players in the AFL. Most, if not all, have been running midfielders but Tommy is a forward and no Irish player has come to play forward in the AFL. He is a powerhouse player.
‘He’s a born leader. He’s from an outstanding family. His father Sean was an absolute legend for Kerry and his two younger bothers are standout players in the juniors.’
