Three others who returned to the AFL

Tadhg Kennelly (Kerry & Sydney Swans)

After Jim Stynes, he is the most successful Irish export to the AFL. He returned home after eight seasons, famously declaring ‘I want to win an All-Ireland with Kerry.’

It took him just one year to do that - in the process emulating his late father Tim by winning an All-Star – and he subsequently returned to Sydney.

Even though in the twilight of his career, it went well as he played 39 games in his last two years to take his professional career total to 197 – the third highest achieved by any Irish player – going on to serve a stint on Sydney’s coaching staff.

Martin Clarke (Down & Collingwood)

He was a sensation in his rookie season with Collingwood, going straight into the team but injuries and a loss of form saw him lose his place in the middle of his third season in 2009 and he returned home.

His impact with Down was immediate, helping the team emerge from the middle of the pack to come within a point of winning the 2010 All-Ireland final with his contribution yielding an All-Star.

He returned to Collingwood in 2011 and while his first season went well, he played just 10 games in his final two campaigns and was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease - a disorder which results in the adrenal glands not producing enough steroid hormones – and after returning home in 2014, he never played for

Down again.

Colin O’Riordan (Tipperary & Sydney Swans)

Okay, strictly does not belong here as he never left Sydney but got permission by the club to play in the 2020 winter Championship, helping Tipperary win a first Munster SFC title in 85 years.

He was nominated for an All-Star but he remained committed to his pro career. However, his bid to establish himself on the Sydney team faltered, he played just 11 games in his last two seasons, taking his total appearances over seven terms to 34, and this week at the age of 26 he confirmed he was retiring from the game as a result of a persistent hip injury.