A little over eight weeks ago, David Clifford told Radio Kerry that he had not grown up dreaming about becoming an Aussie rules player - winning an All-Ireland with Kerry was a very different matter.
The All-Ireland winning Kerry minor captain had been looked at with covetous eyes by AFL sides. Though he did not rule out a move Down Under in the future, Clifford said that his immediate future lies in the Kingdom.
His youthful priority of winning an All-Ireland senior title may not have been the only contributing factor: words were also surely had from Eamonn Fitzmaurice and others. Curiously, according to AFL recruiters based in Ireland, reports the AFL's website, Kerry "have set up the 18-year-old with a good job while he completes his university studies."
Over the weekend, the AFL's European Combine - an assessment of potential players' talents - took place at UCD. Former Down footballer Marty Clarke, who also played in the AFL with Collingwood, was one of those gauging the players on show.
Clarke told the AFL website that Kerry convincing Clifford to remain in Ireland means that for the moment he is not on the radar of clubs in Australia.
I think Kerry have been fairly swift in trying to keep David Clifford because they're hurting by losing to Dublin and he could be a key to them turning the tables. His chance (in Australia) may come again if he has another good year or two, but for now he's not on the radar.
Though he is an undoubted talent in Gaelic football, Clarke suggested there was no certainty that all of Clifford's talents would translate to the oval ball.
"Without knowing him too well, I don't think Australian Rules football would be overly suited to his style of play. That's not to say he couldn't make it, he's a superb athlete and a great footballer.
I haven't spoken to David Clifford at all, but I've admired his performances for his college and for Kerry minors."
Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
