Irishman Ciaran Sheehan is closing in on completing a remarkable journey to the AFL after being tipped to make his Carlton debut against the Gold Coast. The 23-year old returned to Australia last year after being drafted by the Blues in the rookie draft, and Sheehan appears now to be on the verge of completing a remarkable journey to the AFL after impressing the Carlton management with his persistence and determination.
With not much left to play for this season, Carlton may now be tempted to blood some younger players between now and the end of the campaign, with Sheehan now expected to be one of those players. With many Betfair.com fans already turning one eye to next season, there could be some clues between now and the end of the year as to whether Carlton will be contenders next season.
After making his name in Ireland as a Gaelic footballer and a hurler, the youngster first came to Australia to try his hand at Aussie Rules alongside compatriot Zach Tuohy in 2009. While Tuohy went on to earn a contract with the Blues and establish himself as an important part of the Carlton defence, Sheehan returned to Ireland and continued his career in both Gaelic football and hurling, earning dual-player status.
Following an impressive season with Cork, Sheehan was forced to undergo knee surgery in 2011. After returning to action following his injury, Sheehan secured a call-up to Ireland’s international rules series against the Aussies, going on to receive plenty of plaudits for his performances as the hosts clinched a comprehensive series victory over an Indigenous Australian team.
Since returning to Australia, Sheehan has been putting in some eye-catching performances for the Blues’ VFL team, but it’s been the Irishman’s work ethic that has been the most pleasing aspect of his time with the development team. Now, the question for Carlton fans and punters will be whether the Irishman can make the step-up into the big league and make his mark.