Kildare’s Paddy Brophy is beginning to feel at home away from home as he settles in to life as the first international rookie in the West Coast Eagles history. The former Celbridge club Gaelic footballer, who penned a two-year international rookie contract with the Perth-based Eagles last year, was on the recruiting radar of several AFL clubs after impressing at the AFL National Combine. Now into his first gruelling pre-season as an AFL player, Brophy, 20, is gradually coming to terms with both the intensity and physical demands of Australian football. “It’s a massive change to have left Ireland to move across the other side of the world, but I believe I’m well equipped for the challenge of playing Australian rules,” Brophy told the Irish Mirror. “Probably the most difficult aspect is learning to kick the oval ball (Sherrin) when I’ve been used to the round ball in Gaelic ootball. Judging the bounce of the ball is another challenge but the more I get my hands on it, the more comfortable I’m becoming. “The preparation, hydration, and recovery with ice-baths, is also all new to me. It’s a big step up from anything I’ve experienced in Ireland and a lot warmer but I’m enjoying every minute of it.” Brophy’s initial aim is to master the basics of Australian football before establishing himself in the East Perth side in the WAFL this year. The six footer’s longer term ambition is to play in the AFL alongside his Eagles teammates who are amongst the biggest names in the competition. “The Eagles have done everything possible to help me settle,” Brophy explained. “I’m living with a fantastic Australian host family, learning to drive, and I’m spending a lot of time with Malcolm Karpany and Eric Mackenzie. There are also some outstanding premiership players at the club such as Beau Waters who are always available to help me. “I’ve got a lot to learn but hopefully if I can play regularly for East Perth then it won’t be too long before I am in contention for the Eagles.”
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 03:09:14 +0000