One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on March 27, 2011, 07:58:11 PM
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Footballing natural is ready for new code of conduct
Independent
Sunday March 27 2011
Professional sport has tempted John Heslin to give Australian Rules a shot, as he tells Marie Crowe
I t hardly comes as a surprise to hear that one of the first things John Heslin was asked about when he landed in the dressing room of the Richmond Tigers was Copper Face Jacks nightclub in Dublin.
Jack Riewoldt, one of the highest paid players in the AFL, was there only a few months ago with the Australian team and he was looking for someone to reminisce with. John Heslin felt instantly welcome. His mind was made up. The result is a two-year deal for the Westmeath youngster which begins in August.
Even though Heslin was born in Boston and spent his formative years there, he was still exposed to Gaelic football every day of his life. His father is a GAA man, he co-founded a club in the American city and the first football team Heslin played for was in Boston. However, when Heslin was just six years old his parents moved back to Ireland and settled on a farm in Westmeath. He joined the St Loman's club in Mullingar and quickly picked up where he left off on the football field.
But Gaelic football wasn't the only sport that Heslin took to. He tried his hand at everything from tennis to swimming to running but it was soccer, hurling and Gaelic football where his talent really shone.
So impressive were his ball skills that Heslin, who played with Mullingar Athletic and Cherry Orchard, was selected for an emerging talent soccer squad which eventually led him to line out for Ireland at underage level.
"At that time I was travelling to Dublin twice a week, once for training and once for a game. And I'd also go to Tullamore two nights a week because that's where the emerging talent squad was based. But luckily it was all happening in the winter so I could play football then in the summer."
It didn't take long for some Premier League clubs to show an interest in Heslin and a trial at Derby County was organised. He spent a few weeks there and when he returned from England, Heslin decided there and then that a career in the Premier League wasn't for him. He gave up soccer completely to concentrate on Gaelic football.
"The professional aspect of the game was very appealing but the set-up just wasn't very welcoming," he says. "The manager rarely talked to us. It was almost like we were a number. The Australian set-up was so different. Everyone was welcoming from the start, and I know I was a bit older but it was a totally different atmosphere. For the week I was there I was wearing Jack Riewoldt's boots because I needed moulded studs. Kenny Miller was at Derby then and he wouldn't even have noticed younger lads let alone loan us his boots.
"When I came back I just asked myself would I rather be scoring a goal in Pride Park or a point in Croke Park into Hill 16 against the Dubs. I didn't even have to think about the answer so I knew what needed to be done."
From there Gaelic football took over completely. Although he has yet to play a senior inter-county championship game, he has gained a recognition factor in the game -- albeit not solely for good reason. Before Heslin was even a minor he was being heralded by those in the county and outside as the saviour of Westmeath football. But being a 16-year-old and having that weight of expectation around your neck brings it own pressures. And it also guarantees extra attention from the opposition.
For three successive years now Heslin has been sent off for Westmeath. His latest misdemeanour occurred just last Wednesday night against Longford in the Leinster under 21 championship. It was Heslin's first game back from a suspension he received in February in an NFL game against Cavan and having been brought in as a second-half sub, he once again found himself in the eye of a storm, receiving a straight red card which will rule him out of football for at least two months.
"I remember all my sendings-off over the last three years. I go in tough but I don't strike off the ball. Every incident has been during play where I'm tackling with another player for a ball. I was 16 when I was sent off first for Westmeath, 17 the second time and I'm still only 18. It has been built up that I have a problem with my temper, I get angry like everyone else gets angry. When I was younger I used to mouth at the referee and the opposition but that stopped when I was 14. I worked at it and grew out of it. People spoke to me about it and I knew I had to curtail it and I did. I never open my mouth to referees or to players or to guys marking me anymore; if I get in trouble I just deal with it myself."
Over the last few years, Heslin has made no secret of his fascination with the professional game. The lifestyle appeals to him. He is an agricultural science student in UCD at the moment and works on the farm at home and in Elverys Sports whenever he can to help put himself through college. He knows how important it is to have a job.
"Times are tough in general everywhere and that was a factor in my decision-making process. It wasn't the first thing I thought about but it was definitely up there. I'm going to have a job for two years but I hope that I'd have a job for longer. There is a lot to be said for that. I've always been
independent when it came to college and working."
Last year he was brought by a scout to the Essendon club in Melbourne for a three-week trial. It went well and Heslin enjoyed it. However, a few weeks after he returned, the managers and coaches were let go and like in the Premier League when a manager goes the players he was interested in often fall by the wayside too.
But that didn't spell the end for Heslin's Aussie Rules adventure. Less than a month ago, recruitment officers from the Richmond Tigers spotted him playing for UCD in the Sigerson Cup.
There was no agent involved this time round and within days they had Heslin on a plane to Melbourne. Jamie O'Reilly from Down is the other Irish player at the club and he was on hand to meet Heslin and his father when they landed in Melbourne. The week was spent training with the senior players, doing weight sessions and practising kicking. Education is mandatory there and Wednesdays are specifically allocated to college classes, which will allow Heslin to continue his studies.
Despite everything that is going on in his football career, Heslin is excited about his future. Richmond have a young team and that makes them even more appealing for the rookie. Only nine per cent of their squad are over the age of 25 and they have just opened a $25 million facility in Melbourne.
The club itself attracts big crowds to games, and has 40,000 paid members. They played Carlton last week in the MCG and there were almost 80,000 people present.
Heslin is a natural athlete. He has excelled at everything he has turned his hand to but there will be challenges for him to overcome. "It will be hard to read the game initially because it's so new, but the guys in the club were happy that I had played hurling because that is such a fast game too. And mentally it will be tough, being away from my family and friends."
John Heslin is still only 18 and admits he has a lot to learn. But he is a dedicated, hard-working athlete who is determined to succeed in the world of professional sport. He takes his punishment on the chin for the mistakes he makes. He may not be perfect, but who is? What he is, though, is the real deal.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/footballing-natural-is-ready-for-new-code-of-conduct-2596227.html
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Best of luck John :)
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wonder what size player he is...is he midfielder size or kpp?
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Great!
Hopefully Essendon's loss is our gain.
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wonder what size player he is...is he midfielder size or kpp?
precisely what im thinking , hope to heck he is 6"6 ...seems a waste to me investign all the time and effort in a dime a dozen HBF
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Dear oh dear. The Westmeath website is impossible to follow. A lot of the irish media think he is going to Gold Coast. Be interesting to see what he's like. When did he do his trial? That article was really hard to follow, maybe I'm just tired. :(
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Here's a few pics :
(http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/watermarked-b/Library/SF573/410166.jpg)(http://www.hoganstand.com/Common/NewGallery/_DSC0107.jpg)
(http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/watermarked/Library/SF687/494965.jpg)(http://www.sportsfile.com/winshare/watermarked-b/Library/SF660/477093.jpg)
http://www.irishecho.com.au/tag/john-heslin
Apparently he was a left midfielder for Westmeath.
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Looks like a tougher byrce Gibbs
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You mean a tough Bryce gibbs
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From a BF poster based in Dublin:
"I can honestly say that this kid is the most talented teenager in Ireland bar none, and it will be a massive loss to our game if he does go to Australia. If he fulfills even half his potential you'll have a superstar on your hands. He's been dominating adult games since he was 16.
He's probably 190cm + but has great athleticism and speed as well. However he does have a suspect temperament as regards red cards etc but nothing that should be too damaging to his AFL career."
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=20469345&postcount=1
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good...we like them tough and hard at it
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From a BF poster based in Dublin:
"I can honestly say that this kid is the most talented teenager in Ireland bar none, and it will be a massive loss to our game if he does go to Australia. If he fulfills even half his potential you'll have a superstar on your hands. He's been dominating adult games since he was 16.
He's probably 190cm + but has great athleticism and speed as well. However he does have a suspect temperament as regards red cards etc but nothing that should be too damaging to his AFL career."
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=20469345&postcount=1
Love the sound of this, Good luck John and welcome to Tigerland
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"Jack Riewoldt, one of the highest paid players in the AFL...."
Surely not? Well not yet, at least!
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"Jack Riewoldt, one of the highest paid players in the AFL...."
Surely not? Well not yet, at least!
Pretty sure I read somewhere that he is on about, 500-550k per year with incentives.
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looks about 6"2 and a tough son of a gun :gotigers
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"Jack Riewoldt, one of the highest paid players in the AFL...."
Surely not? Well not yet, at least!
Pretty sure I read somewhere that he is on about, 500-550k per year with incentives.
Thanks T4L! Thats probably still not one of the highest paid but certainly on the way there!
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Just a quick follow up. I know we have 2 PNG kids and now 2 Irish kids (Heslin as of 2012 I guess) - is there a limit to the number of international players you can rookie list?
Given the current draft restrictions I'm glad we're looking at other avenues to unearth talent.
If it's unlimited, I'm surprised a rich club like collingwood doesn't just stockpile them.
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Should go to africa and find some drogba types
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Should go to africa and find some drogba types
Some really good players will come out of Africa in the next 10 years. If I had a say I would be spending a bit of time and effort in that market.
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Should go to africa and find some drogba types
Some really good players will come out of Africa in the next 10 years. If I had a say I would be spending a bit of time and effort in that market.
an absolute gold mine waiting to happen..... If your looking for athleticism. If your looking for footy smarts then it will take years.
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Should go to africa and find some drogba types
Some really good players will come out of Africa in the next 10 years. If I had a say I would be spending a bit of time and effort in that market.
an absolute gold mine waiting to happen..... If your looking for athleticism. If your looking for footy smarts then it will take years.
Agree Mr T. The AFL have been working over there with kids for many years now (we billeted some players from a rep side back in '98 so certainly >10 years) and there are very encouraging numbers playing in formal structures. Very similar skillsets to our own indigenous players and it won't be overnight but it will happen.
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John Heslin confirms Richmond Tigers move
Gary Quinn, 28 March 2011
It was confirmed at the weekend that Westmeath underage star, John Heslin will be joining AFL club Richmond Tigers. The teenager has signed a two year contract with the Australian side.
Originally it was believed that new franchise Gold Coast Suns was Heslin’s destination but the player has now announced that he is heading for a new career with Richmond.
The Mullingar man was spotted by Aussie scouts at last month’s Sigerson Cup Finals and had trials before he was signed up on a rookie contract. Speaking in the Sunday Independent, Heslin revealed that he turned down the opportunity of a move to play soccer in the UK with Derby County in his younger days, but couldn’t do the same when the AFL came calling.
He told the newspaper, “The professional aspect of [soccer] was very appealing but the set-up just wasn’t very welcoming. The manager rarely talked to us. It was almost like we were a number.
“The Australian set-up was so different. Everyone was welcoming from the start, and I know I was a bit older but it was a totally different atmosphere. For the week I was there I was wearing Jack Riewoldt’s (famous Rules player) boots because I needed moulded studs. Kenny Miller was at Derby then and he wouldn’t even have noticed younger lads let alone loan us his boots.
“When I came back I just asked myself would I rather be scoring a goal in Pride Park or a point in Croke Park into Hill 16 against the Dubs. I didn’t even have to think about the answer so I knew what needed to be done.”
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/13244/
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John Heslin confirms Richmond Tigers move
Gary Quinn, 28 March 2011
“When I came back I just asked myself would I rather be scoring a goal in Pride Park or a point in Croke Park into Hill 16 against the Dubs. I didn’t even have to think about the answer so I knew what needed to be done.”
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/13244/
what what what ?
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It's official.....
Tiger eyes are smiling
richmondfc.com.au
By Tony Greenberg
5:27 PM Tue 29 Mar, 2011
Richmond has signed one of Ireland’s brightest, young sporting stars . . .
John Heslin, an 18-year-old Agricultural Science student from University College Dublin, who has shone at hurling, soccer and Gaelic football, will be selected by the Tigers as an international rookie in next December’s Rookie Draft.
Heslin currently plays Gaelic football for his university team, as well as at senior level for county club Westmeath.
As a junior, he represented Ireland in soccer, and made such an impression that he was invited to trial at then English Premier League club Derby County.
In between, the strongly-built, 189cm Heslin has excelled at Ireland’s other indigenous sport, hurling.
Moving forward, Richmond believes he has the necessary attributes to make a successful transition to AFL football.
Richmond’s Recruiting Manager Francis Jackson and Recruiting Officer Matthew Clarke spotted Heslin playing Gaelic football for UCD in the Sigerson Cup, a strong Universities’ competition, in early March.
“It’s a really big competition and it was a terrific schedule this year because they had quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals on three successive days (March 3-5),” Jackson said.
“We saw John play in the first game and, quite frankly, he was a standout, with his athleticism and all his movement skills, which were fantastic.
“Also, in terms of his decision-making, understanding of the play, and being unselfish in bringing teammates into the game, he was head and shoulders above the rest.
“He’s very quick, has got good lateral movement, an outstanding vertical leap, and he ran really hard playing in the midfield.
“We felt that he had all the athletic traits, as well as a great understanding of their game.
“We were lucky that his team won and we saw him again the next day . . .
“He was also very competitive . . . At crucial stages in the game, he was the one who lifted and brought his team back into it.
“When they lost, and didn’t make the final, I just watched him, and he was absolutely devastated . . .”
Having really liked what they saw of Heslin, the next step for the Tiger talent scouts was tracking him down for a meeting.
“We chased his phone number up . . . The game finished on the Saturday, and we organised to go out to his family farm, about an hour and 15 minutes out of Dublin, on the Tuesday night, to meet him, his father, Peter, and his mother, Margaret,” Jackson said.
“After meeting the family, we were confident that John came from a strong background. He’s quite an independent kid, too . . . he’s doing second-year Agricultural Science, and lives with a couple of mates.
“We also found out, in our travels, that John had been out to Essendon last year for a three-week trial and that they’d made contact with him again a couple of weeks before we saw him . . .
“Our whole focus then was to ensure we acted quickly and decisively. Consequently, we met them on the Tuesday and then flew back here on the Friday morning, with John and his father.
“Initially, we were going to stay a bit longer, and see some more games, but given that we’d found what we were looking for, we just wanted to get back.”
Heslin spent a week at Tigerland, his first day coinciding with the football department’s move into the ME Bank Centre’s magnificent, new facilities.
“It certainly made it a bit easier showing him through here, rather than where we used to be,” Jackson said.
“But, as I said to his father, this facility is fantastic, but clubs are about people and, unless you have the right people involved, who are going to coach, nurture and develop your kids, it doesn’t matter what type of building you’ve got . . .
“The whole focus on bringing John back here was not for us to watch him, because I was confident that he was a strong, competitive, independent kid, with all the athletic traits, and a hunger to learn, but more to show his father what type of environment he was letting his 18-year-old son come to.
“Overall, I think his father was very happy with what he saw at the Club, and he had a good rapport with a lot of people around the place . . .
“And, John’s ability to very quickly pick things up out on the track, and understand what professional sport’s all about, was particularly impressive.”
The plan now is for Heslin to is to finish his university commitments and the Gaelic football season with Westmeath, before returning to Tigerland for an intensive 10-week football education program, that will provide him with a solid head-start leading up to his official selection as a Richmond rookie at the end of the year.
Jackson is enthusiastically awaiting Heslin’s entry into the world of AFL football . . .
“He was way above anything else that we saw and, quite frankly, he can be a really exciting prospect for us if he continues to show that eagerness to learn and plenty of initiative,” Jackson said.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/110321/default.aspx
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I know it's early days for this kid but it is amazing just how far our recruitment has come since 2006
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No idea if he can adapt and play Aussie Rules to AFL standard but at least we've tried to go out and find an Irishman with some size.
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John Heslin confirms Richmond Tigers move
Gary Quinn, 28 March 2011
“When I came back I just asked myself would I rather be scoring a goal in Pride Park or a point in Croke Park into Hill 16 against the Dubs. I didn’t even have to think about the answer so I knew what needed to be done.”
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/13244/
what what what ?
He's talking about deciding between playing relegation soccer for a minnow club in front of 30,000 in England or a game of Gaelic Footy in front of 80,000 that actually means something to him.
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Having played football with john all my life i know first hand how talented he is, by far the most exciting player to watch play... i wont get to see him play ball in ireland again for a while so its very dissapointing but he made the right choice and hope he does the job for your club and im sure he will... watch out for him hes a real star and will make it... id put my life on that! :)
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Having played football with john all my life i know first hand how talented he is, by far the most exciting player to watch play... i wont get to see him play ball in ireland again for a while so its very dissapointing but he made the right choice and hope he does the job for your club and im sure he will... watch out for him hes a real star and will make it... id put my life on that! :)
Welcome to OER GAA :). Let's hope you're right :cheers.
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I will be right.. hes a HUGE loss for us, ill be supporting john and richmond from now on into the future
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ill be supporting john and richmond from now on into the future
Hope you enjoy the ride. Could be bumpy knowing Richmond. Never a dull moment though :thumbsup
He may come back to you guys further down the track, similar to the way Kennelly did. I was surprised to see Kennelly back with the Swans last year, thought he'd returned to Ireland for good.
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Yeah hopefully... our county could really do with having john back... he would have been playin senior this year properly in the championship at midfield... tipped to be young player of the year so you can imagine how important he is... i will be out to oz for a year after september so i cant wait to go see a few games!
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This is a link to a documentary about our football team back in 2004, if anyone is interested in our game... its the run up to the final
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv2EbjhAf-I
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Yeah hopefully... our county could really do with having john back... he would have been playin senior this year properly in the championship at midfield... tipped to be young player of the year so you can imagine how important he is... i will be out to oz for a year after september so i cant wait to go see a few games!
Well GAA W buy a scarf and join us at the punt road end! Will be great to have you there!
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I will be right.. hes a HUGE loss for us, ill be supporting john and richmond from now on into the future
good onya mate, cheers for getting on board the TIGERS, welcome aboard :cheers
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It is good. This Irish kid sounds like he goes alright.
Foley. Martin. Cotchin. Deledio. Etc. Could use another gun mid to give them chop out.
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Irish star talks Tigers
richmondfc.com.au
By Tony Greenberg
Thu 21 Apr, 2011
John Heslin is one of Ireland’s brightest young sporting stars, excelling at hurling, soccer and Gaelic football. Richmond believes he has the necessary attributes to succeed at AFL football and will select him as an international rookie in next December’s rookie draft. Heslin recently completed a one-week trial at the Tigers’ ME Bank Centre, Punt Road Oval headquarters and Tony Greenberg caught up with him before his return to Ireland . . .
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TG: What appeals to you most about coming to Richmond?
JH: The players are young and that’s very important. We’re all going to come through together and we’ve all got the same ideas, the same interests. When you’re talking, or fooling around a bit, it’s all the same - there’s no, like, ‘cut it out you guys, you’re only young and nobodies’ . . . everybody’s having fun, they’re enjoying themselves. We have the chance to develop a great bond between us and create something special together here. That’s important.
For the full interview click here:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/112152/default.aspx
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Heslin starts training with us next month according to the Irish media today.
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Good he'd almost be in our best side ahead of hislop and friends.
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Is maith liom beoir agus cailíní GAA! lol Welcome to the mighty tigers. Great to see this great lump of a lad join the tigers, looks like he is can take care of himself and if he is skillfull with it, solid gold.
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Heslin hot on AFL trail
richmondfc.com.au
By Tony Greenberg
Tue 05 Jul, 2011
Richmond’s latest international signing, Irish teenage sports star, John Heslin, will represent Ireland in the Australian Football International Cup, to be held in Sydney and Melbourne from August 12-27.
It will be an important stepping-stone into AFL ranks for the Agricultural Science student from University College Dublin, who will be selected by Richmond as an international rookie in the league’s rookie draft at the end of the year.
Heslin has excelled at soccer, as well as Ireland’s two indigenous sports, Gaelic football and hurling, and showed considerable promise in a week-long training stint with Richmond earlier this year.
“John’s commitments with his Gaelic team, Westmeath, are finished and he’s really looking forward to coming out to Australia again and representing Ireland in the International Cup,” said Richmond’s Recruiting Manager Francis Jackson.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/117851/default.aspx
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He's down in Aus and training with us now. Here's some pics!
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/282148_10150276716678276_298686323275_7578370_7475547_n.jpg)
(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281736_10150276716598276_298686323275_7578369_3783136_n.jpg)
(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184030_10150276716748276_298686323275_7578371_7578754_n.jpg)
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Good to see him wearing old Relton's number, an honour and a privilege. ;D Slightly shorter than Gourdis by the look of those pictures.
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Good to see him wearing old Relton's number, an honour and a privilege.
I hope he does it justice. :lol
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Hamburger Heslin :bow
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Looks a good size, would be bigger than the average RFC player. :(
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Looks a good size, would be bigger than the average RFC player. :(
He fit snuggly into the #50, you gots to be big to do that. ;D
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what about Jamie??? delist???
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LMAO@ How Gay Jaydens' Post is!!
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what about Jamie??? delist???
keep
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Keep! He was bloody good last year, he has another year under his belt, I reckon we will see him playing for sure next year.
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From John Heslin's twitter:
"On the way to sydney for the international tournament! Cant wait to see sydney and play my first game #afl #touringaustralia"
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Looks a good size, would be bigger than the average RFC player. :(
Good size indeed, listed at 187cm 92kg. Lets hope he can develop.
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Great first game from Heslin. Kicked a goal and was named best on ground :clapping
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what was the standard, Machine?
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Yes, but still a good effort considering AFL is a new sport for him. Encouraging i would say.
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who was he playing for?
Coburg 2's?
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Playing for Ireland in the international cup.
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whoa what a start , would love to send him out R1 to tag Judd...that would be some contest
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Playing for Ireland in the international cup.
thanks, TM.
:thumbsup
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Here's some latest pics of Heslin up at the IC11 playing for Ireland...
(http://www.worldfootynews.com/mediagallery/mediaobjects/orig/d/d_imgp8241.jpg)
http://www.worldfootynews.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=1&s=20110819140034592
http://www.worldfootynews.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=1&s=20110819140028360
http://www.worldfootynews.com/mediagallery/media.php?f=1&s=20110819140034592
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If you're free tomorrow arvo you can go down to Princes Park and watch Heslin play for Ireland in the International Cup...
"Back at the club today good spirits after 2 wins! Semi final of international tournament v new zealand tomorrow royal park carlton 1pm"
John Heslin twitter
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Lump of a lad
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Damn, I'd have actually gone to that but I organised to work on an assignment at uni at 1... :(
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gee, a good size and making a decent fist of learning how to kick, looks better than shane edwards technique already :lol
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lol . Shane tries to spend it too quickly. He needs to lay of the V's and Mothers and Guarana before games. He is bursting out of his skin.
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"Great win today against the kiwis #AFLIC11 bring on the mcg saturday 10.40 before hawthorn and bulldogs! #afl #irishwarriors"
John Heslin twitter
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lol . Shane tries to spend it too quickly. He needs to lay of the V's and Mothers and Guarana before games. He is bursting out of his skin.
boy I was happy he handballed in the goalsqaure , I could see him shanking it straight in front :lol
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Footy fix for Saturday solved and then I will leave ;D
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Footy fix for Saturday solved and then I will leave ;D
Me too. He is playing against Gideon Simon. What a treat that will be.
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Ireland came from 28 points down in the first half to beat PNG by 3 goals. Not sure how out international recruits went except for Heslin kicking the ball OOTF when having a shot that would've put Ireland in front at 3/4 time.
http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/20110827120748866
the Irish ... have a kid on the half-back line who's been signed by Richmond, called John Heslin. He plays in a free-flowing, upright way so that the whole field is constantly in his vision.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/blarney-army-after-final-jig-20110826-1jejp.html#ixzz1WDefrCj6
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Was a good game of footy to be honest. Ireland were bigger and tougher and the PNG team were quicker and classier. Finn proved the difference in the end with his big strong marking.
From an RFC point of view:
John Heslin:
Played off the hbf all game. Will be good for him to get a good pre-season in. Was cramping in the 2nd quarter. Laid some bone-crunching tackles and took some good marks going back with the flight. His kicking in the first half was awful to watch with a few floaters. Then the 2nd half he was a totally different player with long 50-55m kicks spinning like a drop punt :D Was astounded at the turn around. He had a shot on the run on his left and kicked it on the full but it was a bullet.
Gideon Simon:
Played in the centre square and as a quick hff. This kid is very flashy and classy. David Rodan type build, lightning quick and silky. His spin moves in traffic and disposal was a class above the level he was playing. Handballing was a bit suspect (same goes for all the PNG boys). Laid some bumps and tackles. Got Heslin with a crunching hip and shoulder. :lol And his tackle on 3/4 time was more a WWF wrestling move as he flipped the oncoming bloke over his head.
A long way to go for both boys but very promising indeed.
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Cheers tigs :cheers
Here's Heslin (2nd from left) with the IC2011 trophy in the Irish rooms (our RFC rooms).
(http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg735/scaled.php?tn=0&server=735&filename=t5bzf.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640)
http://yfrog.com/kft5bzfj
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Heslin walked past us in his civvies while we were waiting to go into Punt Rd. He's a big solid boy. Not your stereotypical skinny Irish recruit.
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Another pic of Heslin from the International Cup a week or so ago ...
(http://www.worldfootynews.com/images/articles/2011082214525659_2.JPG)
http://www.worldfootynews.com/article.php/2011082214525659
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Heslin at training today:
(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/297520_10150382721678276_298686323275_8312230_2102551908_n.jpg)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150382721678276&set=a.10150382720233276.378514.298686323275&type=3&l=4a9844639d&theater
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Looks ripped and ready to go
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whoa, wouldn't wanna run into him in a dark alley :shh
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whoa, wouldn't wanna run into him in a dark alley :shh
built for it - glad we can just work on his skills and not have to worry so much about developing him physically...here's hoping one of the "irish experiments" can work/pay off...
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Heslin officially became a Tiger rookie today :).
AFL_PKeane Patrick Keane twitter:
"Int'l Player on Rookie List - Coll; Caolan Mooney (Ireland), Rich; John Heslin (Ire)."
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odds are against irish draftees making it but he is very committed to his career
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odds are against irish draftees making it but he is very committed to his career
IIRC Irish rookie listed players are selected at a Club's last rookie pick so he'll practically be player No.46 on our list which matches the odds of him making it or not. Interesting to see how he goes. Heslin's far more solidly built than skinny O'Reilly was so he has that advantage in making the transition from Gaelic football to Aussie Rules.
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whoa, wouldn't wanna run into him in a dark alley :shh
whoa, this kid is a prodigy :shh you should have seen him in Ireland during his junior days. League B&Fs, medals, premierships, rep sides whoa WHOA. PRODIGY :shh
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BJ's favourite tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMwdHJEBY-c
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Pick 90 and Heslin is officially a Tiger
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@JohnHeslin John Heslin twitter
"Haven't met the newest draftees yet but they move in today,hope they like the colors of our new door #firstimpression"
(https://p.twimg.com/AiRZRSCCAAEGW_x.jpg)
https://twitter.com/#!/JohnHeslin/status/154346440657866752/photo/1
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Roar Focus interview with Heslin:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/roarvisionarchive/tabid/11454/contentid/417728/default.aspx
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Games on Irishman’s agenda
By Adrian Ceddia
richmondfc.com.au
Thu 26 Jan, 2012
Richmond’s international rookie, Irishman John Heslin, says he is itching to experience consistent match play, after six months of solid training.
“Six months is a long time not to play games, and I’m getting to the stage where I’m just itching to play games,” he said.
“Back home I used to play games once a week, sometimes twice, for the whole year, and only have a week or two off. So six months of just training has been tough that way. “
“It’s my first time having a pre-season ever, because I never had one when I was in Ireland,” he said.
“It’s been a real learning experience for me. The best part of it has been getting to understand my body."
Full article and link to video at: http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/128254/default.aspx
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Well, that didnt last long ::)
Homesick Tiger rookie quits
RICHMOND'S Irish recruit John Heslin has returned home after just three months on the Tigers' list.
Heslin is the third Richmond player in the past two years to give in to homesickness. Relton Roberts and Troy Taylor both returned to the Northern Territory after brief careers at Punt Rd.
Heslin was selected at pick 90 in the 2011 NAB AFL Rookie Draft but has returned to Ireland 'indefinitely'.
In a statement released by the Tigers, general manager of football Craig Cameron said the club would support Heslin's decision.
"It’s never easy for young players to relocate to a new country, a long way from their family and friends. John found that transition difficult, and has experienced homesickness," Cameron said.
"We have worked hard to support John and will continue to do so, but we understand his decision to return home at this time."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/129139/default.aspx
(the bozo writing the article forgot o'riely too :wallywink)
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haha bloody hell.
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Bllody hell.......so we still seem to be the club that players leave the most.....would have to ask again, do we manage our players correctly.....????
Can we apply to the AFL for concession, or another pick, didn't the Dees get that when old mate was killed in the Sunami???
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:lol
think that there may be a bit off difference between being killed in a tsunami and going home because you are homesick, WAT
This makes me think back to an article last year, (or 2010?), about the costs V the strike rate of the Irish recruits. It may be time to put this experiment to bed as that article alluded to, I think.
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:lol
think that there may be a bit off difference between being killed in a tsunami and going home because you are homesick, WAT
This makes me think back to an article last year, (or 2010?), about the costs V the strike rate of the Irish recruits. It may be time to put this experiment to bed as that article alluded to, I think.
Yes there is al....but same principle...we are without a player, on the main list or not...
Agree! Stop recruiting them.
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oh dear.
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Nuke from orbit. >:(
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Stop the irish experiment, it's a waste of time.
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bloody waste of time, and Ive said that before on this failed irish experiment...FORGET it
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Was this guy a rookie or did he have a spot on the list?
Can we replace this spot? Or upgrade a rookie for him?
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Real shame this guy went home, could of been a real good player..
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Snip to all the infighting and namecalling crap! ::) :banghead
Stick to the topic ppl!
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Snip to all the infighting and namecalling crap! ::) :banghead
Stick to the topic ppl!
Happy to have missed that! On topic: I wish John all the best for whatever he pursues in his homeland. Kudos for giving it a try.
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Home is where the heart is for talented Heslin
Westmeath's Aussie Rules rookie returns to satisfy his passion for Gaelic games, writes Marie Crowe
The Independent (Ireland)
Sunday February 19 2012
In a week when Tadhg Kennelly ran an Aussie Rules training camp for young GAA players, one of Ireland's most talented Gaelic footballers has decided that life as an AFL player isn't for him.
On Friday, Westmeath's John Heslin said goodbye to the Richmond Tigers in Melbourne and flew home to Ireland.
The reasons for the 19-year-old's return are simple: he missed home, his family, friends, and his life in Ireland but ultimately Heslin came back because his ties to the GAA are too strong to break.
"Before I left I lived for football. My life revolved around it but playing over in Australia was very different to here; the crack and the banter just isn't the same," explained Heslin.
"There is a lot to be said for running out on to the field with the lads you have grown up with and are friends with. The buzz and excitement wasn't there for me when I played AFL, it made me appreciate the GAA and made me realise what game I wanted to play."
It all started for Heslin this time last year, recruitment officers from the Richmond Tigers spotted him playing for UCD in the Sigerson Cup. Within days they had him on a plane to Melbourne for a trial and within weeks he signed up as a rookie.
Heslin moved over to Australia last summer to train for a few weeks on his own before pre-season started. Initially everything was rosy, the excitement of starting a new life distracted him from the reality of the lonely situation he was in. He threw himself into training, he needed to improve his fitness and learn a new game so he kept busy doing that. But as time went by cracks began to appear and Heslin found he was spending a lot of time on his own.
When pre-season started, Heslin envisioned a GAA-like experience, serious sessions but plenty of crack too; however, he found out pretty quickly that wasn't the case. He loved the training and the lifestyle but the Australian culture is very different to what he was used to and it just made Heslin miss home more. In a way, he felt he couldn't be himself so he just kept his head down and got on with it.
The weeks turned into months and although his fitness and skills improved, being so far away from home wasn't getting any easier. But the teenager wanted to make it work, he'd put in the hard slog and got through the pre-season training.
He called everyone he knew who had been involved in the AFL: Brendan Murphy, Marty Clarke, Tadhg Kennelly, Michael Shields, Kyle Coney and Colm Begley. They all had the same advice, try and hang on a bit longer, play some games, but if you don't like it come home.
Heslin tried. He kept training and playing but for him it just wasn't the same as lining out for Loman's or Westmeath.
He even went training with a GAA team in Melbourne in his spare time just to try and replicate what he was missing but as the time went by he just became more homesick.
"It got to the stage where I couldn't hold conversations with people, I didn't want to talk about AFL; I wanted to talk about GAA. It's always been my life and I like it being my life," said Heslin.
"You have to have heart and passion when playing sport and that's what I had for the GAA. I always put my heart into everything I do but it just wasn't there for AFL so I knew what I had to do."
His decision to come home wasn't a shock to the Melbourne Tigers, they knew he hadn't settled.
"I went through three weeks of hell, nights of just feeling low and not knowing what to do. Then things started to get to me, people were trying to be friendly but they just annoyed me. The homesickness just became overwhelming, when you are suffering from it every little thing seems irritating," explained Heslin.
"The club knew it was coming. I was finding training hard, I just didn't want to be there. I was doing weights and it would hit me hard that I wanted to be doing this at home with my friends, not here."
In many ways deciding to return was a harder decision to make than leaving. He was giving up a secure contract to return to a life of uncertainty in Ireland, leaving his job as a professional athlete to be a an amateur GAA player. He may not have a job to come home to but Heslin feels he made the right decision.
Today he will line out for his club St Loman's against local rivals St Malachy's. In a few days he will rejoin the Westmeath senior football panel and then in September he will return to college in UCD. He doesn't know if he will ever regret leaving Australia but one thing that's certain is he's happy to be home.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/home-is-where-the-heart-is-for-talented-heslin-3024266.html
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This dude was playing NBL too?
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I remember some comments from Heslin during early preseason saying that he found the training seriously tough, often and full on. I'm starting to think that these 5 minute types
can't hack the standard AFL requirement these days where you must aim for elite fitness levels. For me that is a good sign that the club is rooting out the "Lazy fantazies" with a baptism of fire. :thumbsup
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Reading Zac Tuohy's story in the rag today made me wonder how John is going and whether or not the club is still in contact with him. Does anyone know if there is ongoing communication occurring?
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Reading Zac Tuohy's story in the rag today made me wonder how John is going and whether or not the club is still in contact with him. Does anyone know if there is ongoing communication occurring?
Heslin is still on our rookie list but you wouldn't think he'll be back. He seems happy playing senior Gaelic footy instead.
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its a sad story and I dont blame the kid, i once experienced horrible home sickness when i spent a year in sydney, is all consuming and weighs heavily, I had tears of joy when i boarded the plane on a one way return trip to MELB. I'm far more critical of our talent identification processes or lack of that fail to filter out the likes of Heslin and more recently mcDonald as suitable elite atheletes ::)
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Was really happy with this kids potental.
Very upset to here he buggered off.
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Pussy Irish mummy boy
Need a "cuddle mum room" at the G to keep these limogots "included"
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Pussy Irish mummy boy
Need a "cuddle mum room" at the G to keep these limogots "included"
:lol
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Room.full of ugly fat slappers from west cork and clovers