Laois youngster Colm Begley has moved a step closer to making his AFL Premiership debut with an elevation to the Brisbane Lions' senior list.
First year rookie Begley, who turns 20 next month, has been rewarded for his excellent displays for Brisbane's feeder club the Suncoast Lions.
He is replacing recently retired All-Australian Justin Leppitsch, making him the fifth rookie to join the senior list at Brisbane this year after a spate of injuries.
Begley, along with Brendan Quigley, was brought Down Under by Lions football manager Graeme Allan late last year.
He signed a two-year contract and made an initial impact as a strong-running defender, playing in the NAB Cup against Melbourne.
Homesickness hit Quigley, who lines out for Laois in Saturday's All-Ireland qualifier against Tyrone, early on and he has since returned home.
Meanwhile, Brisbane face Melbourne in the Premiership on Saturday night, and Begley could force his way into contention.
The Irishman said of his promotion: 'I didn't think I would be playing a game for another two years - this is a big step and I am very proud.
'I didn't come out here for a holiday, I came to make a career for myself and even though I am not playing senior football at the moment, (this elevation) is a step in the right direction hopefully make a few more steps from now on.
'Even if I wasn't elevated, I definitely would have stayed here.'
Speaking at his weekly media conference, Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews said: 'I don't think any of us in our wildest dreams would have thought that in the first year Colm could possibly advance so quickly that he would be on the fringe of senior selection.
'I am just amazed how quickly he has picked up the kicking skill, He has become a very good kicker of the football - in fact I haven't seen him fumble.
'What he has also developed very quickly which has amazed me is the ability to spot the right target 50 metres up the field, and have the kicking skills to find him.'
Brisbane full-back Mal Michael, who operated as a goalkeeper for Australia during the 2004 International Rules series, said: 'It's a great achievement for a person who had never seen a game of senior AFL until February. It’s a great achievement for Colm.
'He has the type of personality that you could put him anywhere and he could cope and survive.'
