International Players in Australia

This page is an attempt to document the various players in Australia with international connections, from the 1990s onwards, such as those having been drafted to the AFL from an overseas league, or who were a migrant to Australia and subsequently went on to play in the AFL. As time permits other notable players below AFL level may also be added, though this would quickly become a very long list. As a strongly multicultural society with a history of migration, many other players also have international links and not all can be explored here, however suggestions relevant to international footy development are welcome.

Internationally Developed AFL Players

The following is a list of players who learnt Australian Football outside of Australia who went on to play in the Australian Football League:

[ Currently no players have achieved this - we wait for the first who probably is a young teenager out there just starting to play the game in PNG, South Africa or a number of other countries. ]

Internationally Recruited AFL Players

The following is a list of players who were recruited to the AFL from overseas to play Australian Football, typically as potentially elite players in other sports, so only learnt the game in Australia (i.e. were not taken from overseas Aussie Rules leagues).

Player Country Details
Sean Wight Scotland/Ireland Born 1964 in Glasgow, Scotland, but raised in Ireland, Wight was reportedly the first of Melbourne's Gaelic football recruits from Ireland, though the stellar career of Jim Stynes has tended to overshadow that. The high flying fullback had an excellent career of his own, playing 150 games between 1985 and 1995.

Jim Stynes Ireland Born 1966 in Dublin, the Gaelic footballer is the iconic original in the so-called "Irish Experiment", which started when the Melbourne Football Club went looking for Gaelic talent in Ireland in 1984. His senior career started in 1987 and reached its pinnacle with the 1991 Brownlow Medal, awarded to the best player in the AFL. Stynes won four best and fairests at the Demons and played 264 matches amongst which were a record 244 consecutive games including through times when most players would have missed due to injury. The ruckman's career ended in 1998 and he has gone on to be involved in anti-racial vilification and youth charity work in Australia, leading to him being named Victorian of the Year in 2003. He also represented Australia in International Rules against Ireland, and his younger brother Brian also made a move to Aussie Rules. The Jim Stynes trophy is awarded to the winning team at the Barassi Youth Tournament (for Australian and international juniors, staged periodically in Canberra, Australia) and the Jim Stynes Medal is awarded to the best Australian player in the International Rules series.

Brian Stynes Ireland Born 1971, the younger brother of champion Melbourne ruckman Jim Stynes. Brian was a top Gaelic footballer who also made the move to Australian Football, debuting for Melbourne in 1992 but played only two senior games before returning to Ireland where he enjoyed further Gaelic football success. He represented his country at the 2002 Australian Football International Cup, helping Ireland to victory, and was again a member of the team in 2005. He also represented Ireland in International Rules.
Dwayne Armstrong USA African-American who had a brief stint in the US NFL (Raiders 1992-1994) before being brought to Australia in an adventurous but ultimately unsuccessful attempt by Essendon's Kevin Sheedy to convert him to Aussie Rules. Went on to become the NFL's development manager for Australasia.
Tadhg Kennelly Ireland Born 1981, the talented junior Gaelic footballer in County Kerry joined Sydney in 1999 and was elevated from a rookie to the senior list in 2001, seven times an emergency before debuting. The running half back became one of the Swans top players and was the first recruit from Ireland to win a premiership (2005). He also represented Ireland in International Rules.
Setanta O'hAilpin Ireland After draft sanctions due to salary cap breaches Carlton looked for new ways to bring talent to the club. Setanta was born in Australia in 1983 to an Irish father and Fijian mother, but the family soon moved back to Ireland. The 199 cm key position defender/forward/ruckman has proven his athleticism since arriving from hurling in 2004 and in 2007 was beginning to establish himself at AFL level.
Colm Begley Ireland Born 1986, played Gaelic football for Laois. Drafted to Brisbane as international rookie in late 2005 and debuted in 2006. Has played mainly as a running small defender. Until Martin Clarke, he was the fastest of the Irish recruits to make an AFL debut (only one year after being recruited).
Martin Clarke Ireland Collingwood's growing football department made good use of their large resources to track down County Downs' talented junior Gaelic footballer in 2006. Born in 1987 he was on Collingwood's rookie list in 2007 but elevated to make his debut in round 12 against Sydney (ironically fellow Irishman Tadhg Kennelly missed the match for Sydney due to a knee injury), with only around 8 months in the code. Immediately he has been labelled a star in the making, and fine form including in the 2007 finals suggests the Pies have secured the equivalent of a first round draft pick for virtually no "cost". Elevated from rookie list to senior list again for 2008.
Aisake O'hAilpin Ireland With Setanta developing at Carlton the club was soon after his younger brother. Born in 1985 and recruited from hurling in Ireland in 2005, Aisake was placed on Carlton's international rookie list and in 2007 was on the normal rookie list and playing for Carlton's VFL affiliate Northern Bullants. A tall (201 cm) promising ruck prospect. Elevated to senior list for 2008 season.
Pearce Hanley Ireland Gaelic footballer from County Mayo, rookie listed by Brisbane Lions for 2008.
Kevin Dyas Ireland Gaelic footballer from County Armagh, rookie listed by Collingwood for 2008.
Brendan Murphy Ireland Gaelic footballer from County Carlow, rookie listed by Sydney for 2008.

Player	Country	Details
Sean Wight	Scotland/Ireland	Born 1964 in Glasgow, Scotland, but raised in Ireland, Wight was reportedly the first of Melbourne's Gaelic football recruits from Ireland, though the stellar career of Jim Stynes has tended to overshadow that. The high flying fullback had an excellent career of his own, playing 150 games between 1985 and 1995.
Jim Stynes	Ireland	Born 1966 in Dublin, the Gaelic footballer is the iconic original in the so-called "Irish Experiment", which started when the Melbourne Football Club went looking for Gaelic talent in Ireland in 1984. His senior career started in 1987 and reached its pinnacle with the 1991 Brownlow Medal, awarded to the best player in the AFL. Stynes won four best and fairests at the Demons and played 264 matches amongst which were a record 244 consecutive games including through times when most players would have missed due to injury. The ruckman's career ended in 1998 and he has gone on to be involved in anti-racial vilification and youth charity work in Australia, leading to him being named Victorian of the Year in 2003. He also represented Australia in International Rules against Ireland, and his younger brother Brian also made a move to Aussie Rules. The Jim Stynes trophy is awarded to the winning team at the Barassi Youth Tournament (for Australian and international juniors, staged periodically in Canberra, Australia) and the Jim Stynes Medal is awarded to the best Australian player in the International Rules series.
Brian Stynes	Ireland	Born 1971, the younger brother of champion Melbourne ruckman Jim Stynes. Brian was a top Gaelic footballer who also made the move to Australian Football, debuting for Melbourne in 1992 but played only two senior games before returning to Ireland where he enjoyed further Gaelic football success. He represented his country at the 2002 Australian Football International Cup, helping Ireland to victory, and was again a member of the team in 2005. He also represented Ireland in International Rules.
Dwayne Armstrong	USA	African-American who had a brief stint in the US NFL (Raiders 1992-1994) before being brought to Australia in an adventurous but ultimately unsuccessful attempt by Essendon's Kevin Sheedy to convert him to Aussie Rules. Went on to become the NFL's development manager for Australasia.
Tadhg Kennelly	Ireland	Born 1981, the talented junior Gaelic footballer in County Kerry joined Sydney in 1999 and was elevated from a rookie to the senior list in 2001, seven times an emergency before debuting. The running half back became one of the Swans top players and was the first recruit from Ireland to win a premiership (2005). He also represented Ireland in International Rules.
Setanta O'hAilpin	Ireland	After draft sanctions due to salary cap breaches Carlton looked for new ways to bring talent to the club. Setanta was born in Australia in 1983 to an Irish father and Fijian mother, but the family soon moved back to Ireland. The 199 cm key position defender/forward/ruckman has proven his athleticism since arriving from hurling in 2004 and in 2007 was beginning to establish himself at AFL level.
Colm Begley	Ireland	Born 1986, played Gaelic football for Laois. Drafted to Brisbane as international rookie in late 2005 and debuted in 2006. Has played mainly as a running small defender. Until Martin Clarke, he was the fastest of the Irish recruits to make an AFL debut (only one year after being recruited).
Martin Clarke	Ireland	Collingwood's growing football department made good use of their large resources to track down County Downs' talented junior Gaelic footballer in 2006. Born in 1987 he was on Collingwood's rookie list in 2007 but elevated to make his debut in round 12 against Sydney (ironically fellow Irishman Tadhg Kennelly missed the match for Sydney due to a knee injury), with only around 8 months in the code. Immediately he has been labelled a star in the making, and fine form including in the 2007 finals suggests the Pies have secured the equivalent of a first round draft pick for virtually no "cost". Elevated from rookie list to senior list again for 2008.
Aisake O'hAilpin	Ireland	With Setanta developing at Carlton the club was soon after his younger brother. Born in 1985 and recruited from hurling in Ireland in 2005, Aisake was placed on Carlton's international rookie list and in 2007 was on the normal rookie list and playing for Carlton's VFL affiliate Northern Bullants. A tall (201 cm) promising ruck prospect. Elevated to senior list for 2008 season.
Pearce Hanley	Ireland	Gaelic footballer from County Mayo, rookie listed by Brisbane Lions for 2008.
Kevin Dyas	Ireland	Gaelic footballer from County Armagh, rookie listed by Collingwood for 2008.
Brendan Murphy	Ireland	Gaelic footballer from County Carlow, rookie listed by Sydney for 2008.

AFL Players with Strong International Connections

The following is a list of AFL players who learnt Australian Football in Australia but have significant overseas connections. Listing currently only mostly dates back to recent seasons.

Player Country Details
Wayne Schwass New Zealand The New Zealand born (1968) North Melbourne and Sydney great played 282 VFL/AFL games, including the 1996 premiership with the Roos. He won 3 best and fairests and has since had a media role, including commentating on the 2005 International Cup, won by the Kiwis. He works with the Sunrise Foundation to address depression and mental health issues amongst athletes, both elite and recreational.
Sanford Wheeler USA Reportedly born in the US (1970) with an African-American mother and Australian father, Sanford (Matthew) Wheeler played 43 games for Sydney between 1989 and 1994.
Peter Bell South Korea Born in South Korea (1976) to a Korean mother and American father, he was adopted by an Australian couple and was raised in Western Australia. He first played for Fremantle in their inaugural year (1995) before being de-listed, but was picked up by North Melbourne for the 1996 season, where he became a star player and won two premierships. Peter returned to Fremantle in 2000, and was their captain from 2002-2006. Fans at Subiaco Oval ring a bell every time he gains a possession in home games. He won a best and fairest at North Melbourne and three with Freo. He also holds a Law Degree.
Damian Cupido South Africa Born in South Africa in 1982, Cupido grew up in Australia. He showed early promise when drafted by Brisbane but inconsistency saw him traded to Essendon, where he at times was becoming a star as a small forward, peaking in 2003. But inconsistency returned, along with perceived laziness and injury, and he was de-listed at the end of 2005. In 2006 he played for South Adelaide in the SANFL, then moved to West Adelaide in 2007.
Trent Croad New Zealand Born 1980 in New Zealand, Trent's grandfather was an All Black (New Zealand Rugby Union national representative). Drafted in 1997, Croad was a star for Hawthorn at centre half back and centre half forward, but was traded to Fremantle at the end of 2001, where he performed less well. In a strange twist he was traded back to Hawthorn, where he has again been a top player in a rising side. He has represented Australia in International Rules but remains a keen supporter of the All Blacks.
Mal Michael PNG Born 1977 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, family moved to Australia shortly afterwards. Drafted to Collingwood then moved to Brisbane, where he was three time premiership fullback. Controversially moved to Essendon in 2007. Maintains strong ties to PNG where his father returned and who is heavily involved with footy there. Plans a Mal Michael Foundation to improve conditions in PNG. Has also represented Australian in International Rules.
David Rodan Fiji Born 1983 in Fiji. Originally an exciting on-ball or small forward prospect at Richmond, he was cut soon after returning from a knee reconstruction. Drafted to Port Adelaide in late 2006, and enjoyed an excellent 2007 season. Has expressed interest in developing Aussie Rules in Fiji.
Alipate Carlile Fiji Born 1987 in Fiji, cousin to David Rodan. Drafted late 2004 from Victoria to Port Adelaide, debuted in 2007.
Aaron Edwards Samoa Originally having a brief career at West Coast, Aaron then starred for Frankston in the VFL. He became the first man in 129 years to be the VFL's leading goalkicker and Liston Trophy winner. The North Melbourne Kangaroos threw him a second AFL chance which he has grasped in 2007, proving to be a strong marking, goal kicking forward. Aaron was born in Samoa in 1984 and has been used by AFL Samoa as an inspiration for players there.
Heritier "Harry" O'Brien Brazil Born 1986 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Moved to Western Australia at age three. Selected by Collingwood in rookie draft 2004, debuted 2005. Retains strong ties to Brazil which have been publicised in Australian media.
Brad Moran England Born in 1986 in England, Brad moved to Queensland with his family at age 15 and soon took up footy, leading to the Southport Sharks. He was picked up by the North Melbourne Kangaroos in the 2004 draft and debuted in 2006, playing in ruck and winning a Rising Star nomination. Traded to Adelaide at the end of the 2007 season.
Adam Campbell New Zealand Born 1985 in Christchurch, New Zealand, played rugby union as a child. Family moved to country Victoria in 2001, began playing footy locally, drafted to Fremantle in 2003, debuted in 2006.
Luke van Rheenen South Africa Born 1988 in South Africa before moving to Australia, the 201 cm ruckman was rookie listed by St Kilda for the 2007 season, and retained on that list for 2008.

See also Wikipedia's List of overseas-born AFL players and Full Points Footy's Other Nationalities.

Player	Country	Details
Wayne Schwass	New Zealand	The New Zealand born (1968) North Melbourne and Sydney great played 282 VFL/AFL games, including the 1996 premiership with the Roos. He won 3 best and fairests and has since had a media role, including commentating on the 2005 International Cup, won by the Kiwis. He works with the Sunrise Foundation to address depression and mental health issues amongst athletes, both elite and recreational.
Sanford Wheeler	USA	Reportedly born in the US (1970) with an African-American mother and Australian father, Sanford (Matthew) Wheeler played 43 games for Sydney between 1989 and 1994.
Peter Bell	South Korea	Born in South Korea (1976) to a Korean mother and American father, he was adopted by an Australian couple and was raised in Western Australia. He first played for Fremantle in their inaugural year (1995) before being de-listed, but was picked up by North Melbourne for the 1996 season, where he became a star player and won two premierships. Peter returned to Fremantle in 2000, and was their captain from 2002-2006. Fans at Subiaco Oval ring a bell every time he gains a possession in home games. He won a best and fairest at North Melbourne and three with Freo. He also holds a Law Degree.
Damian Cupido	South Africa	Born in South Africa in 1982, Cupido grew up in Australia. He showed early promise when drafted by Brisbane but inconsistency saw him traded to Essendon, where he at times was becoming a star as a small forward, peaking in 2003. But inconsistency returned, along with perceived laziness and injury, and he was de-listed at the end of 2005. In 2006 he played for South Adelaide in the SANFL, then moved to West Adelaide in 2007.
Trent Croad	New Zealand	Born 1980 in New Zealand, Trent's grandfather was an All Black (New Zealand Rugby Union national representative). Drafted in 1997, Croad was a star for Hawthorn at centre half back and centre half forward, but was traded to Fremantle at the end of 2001, where he performed less well. In a strange twist he was traded back to Hawthorn, where he has again been a top player in a rising side. He has represented Australia in International Rules but remains a keen supporter of the All Blacks.
Mal Michael	PNG	Born 1977 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, family moved to Australia shortly afterwards. Drafted to Collingwood then moved to Brisbane, where he was three time premiership fullback. Controversially moved to Essendon in 2007. Maintains strong ties to PNG where his father returned and who is heavily involved with footy there. Plans a Mal Michael Foundation to improve conditions in PNG. Has also represented Australian in International Rules.
David Rodan	Fiji	Born 1983 in Fiji. Originally an exciting on-ball or small forward prospect at Richmond, he was cut soon after returning from a knee reconstruction. Drafted to Port Adelaide in late 2006, and enjoyed an excellent 2007 season. Has expressed interest in developing Aussie Rules in Fiji.
Alipate Carlile	Fiji	Born 1987 in Fiji, cousin to David Rodan. Drafted late 2004 from Victoria to Port Adelaide, debuted in 2007.
Aaron Edwards	Samoa	Originally having a brief career at West Coast, Aaron then starred for Frankston in the VFL. He became the first man in 129 years to be the VFL's leading goalkicker and Liston Trophy winner. The North Melbourne Kangaroos threw him a second AFL chance which he has grasped in 2007, proving to be a strong marking, goal kicking forward. Aaron was born in Samoa in 1984 and has been used by AFL Samoa as an inspiration for players there.
Heritier "Harry" O'Brien	Brazil	Born 1986 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Moved to Western Australia at age three. Selected by Collingwood in rookie draft 2004, debuted 2005. Retains strong ties to Brazil which have been publicised in Australian media.
Brad Moran	England	Born in 1986 in England, Brad moved to Queensland with his family at age 15 and soon took up footy, leading to the Southport Sharks. He was picked up by the North Melbourne Kangaroos in the 2004 draft and debuted in 2006, playing in ruck and winning a Rising Star nomination. Traded to Adelaide at the end of the 2007 season.
Adam Campbell	New Zealand	Born 1985 in Christchurch, New Zealand, played rugby union as a child. Family moved to country Victoria in 2001, began playing footy locally, drafted to Fremantle in 2003, debuted in 2006.
Luke van Rheenen	South Africa	Born 1988 in South Africa before moving to Australia, the 201 cm ruckman was rookie listed by St Kilda for the 2007 season, and retained on that list for 2008.

World Footy News
http://www.worldfootynews.com/staticpages/index.php/International_Players_in_Australia