Phiri set for AFL trial
John Phiri helped Carlow to their first national title since 1944 when beating Longford in the Division 4 Final in Croke Park last March. Photo: Pat Ahern.
One of Carlow GAA’s brightest young stars, John Phiri, is set for a trial in Australia with AFL side Brisbane Lions in the coming weeks, according to a report in the Irish Examiner by Maurice Brosnan.
Brisbane are one of the AFL’s powerhouse clubs. On Saturday, they play Fremantle in the Grand Final. They already have a number of Irish players on their squad, such as Tyrone’s Conor McKenna, Kilkenny’s Darragh Joyce and Kerry’s Ben Murphy all involved. Their AFLW squad includes Kildare’s Neasa Dooley, who previously worked in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel.
They are actively scouting in the Irish market and Brosnan reports that Ireland U20 full-back Noah Byrne has turned down a professional contract with Leinster rugby in favour of signing on with the Australian club.
Phiri, who is set to play in Sunday’s JJ Kavanagh & Sons Intermediate Hurling Championship Final for Carlow Town, is said to have attended an AFL combine at TUS Athlone last month and caught the eye. He will now travel to Brisbane along with Kerry’s Evan Boyle for a further trial.
The loss of Phiri, if he were to secure a professional contract, would be a huge blow to Joe Murphy’s Carlow team, and his clubs, Asca footballers and Carlow Town hurlers, but it’s easy to see why he would be a wanted man.
Phiri made his senior Carlow debut while still a student in Knockbeg College in an O’Byrne Cup tie in January 2024.
He really nailed down a position on the starting team in 2026 and was outstanding as Carlow lifted the National League Division 4 title. His athletic prowess was particularly suited to the wide open spaces of Croke Park as Carlow beat Longford in the final.
It’s an exciting time for the youngster as he chases the dream of a professional contract, and while there would undoubtedly be a tinge of regret around the county if he were to depart, nobody could begrudge him the opportunity to play elite sport for a living.
