John Joe Doherty: Clubs and counties are getting the raw end of AFL deal

By Niall Gartland

JOHN Joe Doherty wishes Donegal footballer Finnbarr Roarty all the best in his AFL adventure – but adds that the GAA has a very real problem on its hands as news emerged of the latest young talent to embark on a professional career down under.

The shock news emerged today that Roarty, who won the Young Footballer of the Year award in 2025, has been snapped up by AFL club Collingwood on a two-year contract.

Roarty will line out for Naomh Conaill in Sunday’s Donegal Senior Championship final against St Eunan’s, but it could potentially be his last appearance in a game of gaelic football for some time.

Back in August, Kerry legend Tomás Ó Sé described the exodus of talented young footballers to Australian Rules as ‘sickening.’ John Joe Doherty, both a former footballer and manager with Donegal, understands exactly where Ó Sé is coming from.

“Janey Mac, it’s disappointing, to be losing one of your top talents. At the same time it’s a massive opportunity for the lad himself and I wish him all the best.

“But the reality is, that when you’re up against a professional sport, and you’re an amateur sport yourself, there’s only one way it’s going to go.”

“Tomás was right in what he said. It’s the fact they’re taking players without any sort of reimbursement for the club and counties involved. I think that’s daylight robbery.

“That’s the first thing that needs looked at. There’s a massive effort put in at underage level in any of the clubs involved in getting players to that level. Then the AFL come along and it’s all taken away with one swipe of the pen.”

“I think there should be some form of compensation put in place. Okay, it might come down to financial payment, but if there was a floodlit training pitch for the future put in at underage clubs, something like that would be practical.

“The way it is at the moment, it’s an awfully one-sided deal at the minute.”

Kobe McDonald had already signed a contract Melbourne-based AFL club Kilda before playing a memorable role in Mayo’s run to a long-awaited All-Ireland title. Doherty completely understands the appeal of the AFL, but is concerned that it’s becoming a runaway train.

“These are very very talented players. We hear of the success stories, but there’s other cases where players get homesick and end up coming back.

“But on the whole, the focus very much seems to be on the Irish talent and that is a concern. We’re a shop-window and these players are definitely being got at a bargain.”