THERE'S another Irishman set to join the AFL with the Brisbane Lions signing Cian Hanley – younger brother of star midfielder Pearce.
Cian, 17, captains County Mayo's under-18s and is highly regarded in the Gaelic Athletic Association.
The Courier Mail has reported the Lions will have to wait some time to see the younger Hanley kick a Sherrin though, after Cian injured his ACL in a recent All Ireland under-18 semi-final.
"It is really shattering for him, but we have made a commitment to him and we will stick by him,’’ Lions football manager Dean Warren said.
"It is an opportunity for us, he will be able to do a lot of skill acquisition training and work in the gym so we don’t think we’ll lose that much time because of the injury."
Pearce is coming off another stellar season, averaging 25 disposals in his 20 games, and is favoured for a high finish at the Lions' best and fairest dinner on Friday night.
