by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
Sydney has added another North American as an international rookie. American Patrick Mitchell, 24 and 6'1, comes from Des Moines and has been playing basketball with the University of North Dakota.
Coach John Longmire said the club was impressed with Mitchell’s athletic capabilities as well as his determination to learn the game. Using Canadian rugby convert Mike Pyke as an example, Longmire said there was potential for players with no AFL background to learn the skills of the game. He believes Mitchell has the attributes to succeed, those being the athleticism required as well as determination to succeed and the willingness to learn and work. Mitchell will arrive in October.
Source: Jonathon Monasso, Sydney Media Release
Carlton's Zac Tuohy will have some company with the club announcing the signing of another Irish recruit in Ciaran "Casey" Byrne as an international rookie for the next two seasons. Byrne, 18 and 6'1", was first seen by recruiters at a football camp in Limerick in 2011. Carlton recruiter Wayne Hughes said the club had been watching Byrne excel at Gaelic Football since that time. Hughes said Byrne has the athletic qualities recruiters look for.
Byrne has been named in Ireland’s International Rules squad, from which a team will be selected to meet the Indigenous All-Stars in a two-Test series in October. He will then join the Blues for a preseason camp in Arizona in December before moving to Melbourne in early 2014.
Source: Jay Allen, Carlton Media Release
Article last changed on Sunday, August 25, 2013 - 7:09 AM EDT
