Measures being taken by GAA to stem the flow of departures to the AFL

Wise moves.

The game is losing one its great talents in Kobe McDonald, as he departs next month to play in the AFL with St Kilda.

In the past, Mayo have lost some of their brightest prospects, including Pearce Hanley and Oisín Mullin, while other high-profile Irish departures include Tadhg Kennelly, Mark O'Connor and Zach Tuohy.

None, however, have caused as much fanfare or stir as McDonald, and the news that the GAA are looking to introduce measures to stem the flow comes as no surprise.

According to the AFL's official website, their organisation and the GAA have been in talks.

They said: "The Gaelic Athletic Association and AFL have been in discussions as the Irish code looks to build in measures to limit Australian access to Irish athletes. 

"It comes as the GAA has flagged different rules to limit their best young talents being poached by AFL clubs, including capping how many players can be taken per county team and also the process in contacting the talents and establishing links through official teams rather than direct, which is how most AFL clubs scout Irish talent."

The same report also mentioned that they are looking to bring back the men's International Rules Series for 2027.