The 20-year-old from County Kildare, is tall and athletic at 189cm and 84kg and has an appetite for the contest.
On his way to this week’s National Combine, Brophy visited Perth for three days, was shown around the club and the city and that convinced him to nominate the West Coast Eagles as his club of choice.
West Coast has never before listed an international rookie, so it’s an exciting venture for the club.
The enthusiastic Brophy will be placed on the club’s Rookie B List, qualifying for a place on the list as he has not been registered in an Australian football competition for the past three years.
The signing of Brophy follows the decision a couple of months ago to secure former outstanding under-age player Corey Adamson, who opted to play baseball when his junior sports career ended, and recently returned from the US to assume a rookie contract with West Coast.
National Recruiting Manager Rohan O’Brien has been impressed by Brophy’s aptitude for the Australian game.
“Has worked hard on his skills which is shown in the fact that Paddy won the Clean Hands test at the AFL Combine with a score of 26/30 and also scored 25/30 in the goalkicking test.” An enthusiastic O’Brien said today.
“I first met with Paddy in London in 2013 when he played for the Eurpoean Legion against the NAB AFL Academy, he showed some raw talent in that game and looked to have some great attributes to work with.
“I was impressed with his enthusiasm for the contest and the way he maintained his work rate, despite having played a game of Gaelic football for his county just two days before.
“We have followed him since that time. Our Pro Scout, Mick Moylan, who has overseen our Irish scouting has made two trips to Ireland watching Paddy play in the corresponding game this year, where he was amongst the best players.
“Mick also spent some time with Paddy at the AFL Irish combine and also his family before making a decision that Paddy would be an attractive option as our first Irish Rookie. He was impressed with Paddy’s ability to use the ball and read play.
“On his way through to the National Combine Paddy spent three days in Perth, accompanied by Mick, where he was given a tour of the club and Perth and spent time with key people including the senior coach and CEO. The visit made a big impression on him and went a long way to help with his decision.”
Brophy, who will now return to Ireland before coming to Perth for the start of pre-season training next month, is bubbly with enthusiasm.
“I’m really pleased to have finally chosen a club and look forward to starting at West Coast Eagles and making the most of my opportunity,” he said. “Hopefully one day I will be playing for them in the AFL. I was very impressed with both the club and Perth as a place to live in my short visit and whilst I’m taking on a big move, I’m excited at the prospect and can’t wait to get underway.”
With his size and athleticism, the recruiting staff believes he has the potential to play a number of roles and he has strong competitiveness to go with his work ethic.
