Darragh Joyce has secured a spot on Brisbane’s list via the pre-season supplemental selection period.
The Irishman has last week been invited to train with a spot on Brisbane’s list having been delisted by St Kilda last year.
He managed 13 appearances across six years after originally joining the Saints in 2016.
Another Irishman calls the den home 🇮🇪
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) January 23, 2023
Welcome to the Club Darragh 🦁
Joyce, an Irishman, had signed with Collingwood’s VFL program for 2023 but was tempted north in pursuit of an AFL lifeline.
“I wanted the opportunity to play AFL football again. I had contemplated moving home this year and I did head home (in Ireland) for September and October, and then when I came back I just realised I love it down here (in Australia) and I have an itch to play,” Joyce said in a club statement.
“I’m absolutely stoked to be at the Brisbane Lions, the facilities are so great and it’s great to have the Irish connection with my good friend Conor (McKenna) and also Jimmy (Madden).”
Brisbane opened up a spot on its list when moving Marcus Adams to the inactive list, with the key defender unlikely to play in 2023 with lingering concussion symptoms.
Joyce’s strengths could make him a like-for-like replacement for Adams, while Brisbane GM of football Danny Daly said he provides depth to the backline.
“We’re really pleased to have Darragh on board to help bolster our defence,” he said.
“We’ve been watching his journey over the past few years, and we feel confident he can play a role in our team.
“We see Darragh as a great fit for our Club given his toughness around the contest, and he comes to us with some valuable experience from having been in the AFL system over the past six years.”