Conor Glass, who captained Derry as a minor footballer, continues to make waves in Australia as the Irishmen made the Hawthorn Hawks team for their victory against Melbourne today at the MCG.
Glass enjoyed an exceptional debut season with the side as the international rookie quickly adapted and made his debut in last year. So far this season Glass has been playing in the VFL, just below the top tier and impressed last week which resulted in his inclusion today.
Describing his performance last week, the Hawks website said "Conor Glass was really impressive. He had 19 disposals and he won or neutralised a lot of contests. He had a really good balance between his offensive and defensive stuff, which he has been trying to learn along the way. So, it was probably one of the more balanced games I have seen from him. And, again, he was quite creative with the ball so he didn’t waste his opportunity when he had it."
Trying to think of context of achievement of Conor Glass making the @HawthornFC team, but it's like an Australian kid coming over here at 18 and playing with Dublin 2 years later, as he did last year. Back in as the Hawks win at the weekend #gaa #afl #Derry
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) April 15, 2018
ICYMI: @Conor_Glass & James Cousins have both signed rookie extensions with the @HawthornFC. Well done lads! #StrongAsOne #TeamTLA pic.twitter.com/ZqoQkJblRG
— au_tla (@au_tla) August 2, 2017
Speaking to Hawk TV earlier this week, Glass confirmed he was delighted to be back with the first team.
Hopefully I can build on it this year. Six games last year isn't the end. Hopefully, I can get a few more this year and become a greater player. I call it a never-ending holiday, still getting used to it but still loving it and loving footie as well. It's all good.
It is highly unusual for a first-year recruit to make the break into the first team in his initial year, last year, however, Glass did make his debut with the Hawks while Mark O'Connor did the same with Geelong.
Today's 18.7 (115) to 6.12 (48) victory was the Hawks' third of what could be a highly promised season.
Plenty of gusto in this one! ??#GameFaceOn #AFLHawksDees pic.twitter.com/frt4GFBXCX
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) April 15, 2018
