CILLIAN McDaid was one of three Irish prospects to travel to Florida last year and train with the NAB AFL Academy.

Two – Ray Connellan and Darragh Joyce – were picked up by St Kilda later in the year, however McDaid remained without an AFL club. But the experience didn't dampen his interest in the game.

"I followed the draft really closely last year, having trained with those boys and gotten to know them," McDaid told AFL.com.au.

"It was unbelievable to see Hugh McCluggage go so well. He was pretty quiet last year on the trip and was injured so I didn't see much of him and then all of a sudden he just seemed to grow and get better and better.

"I loved following all of that group. I watched the videos and kept on top of it all as it happened."

Being overlooked hasn't knocked the 19-year-old's enthusiasm in making it to the AFL, either. Last week McDaid was one of four Irishmen to join the Academy as it trained at the IMG Academy on its high performance tour of the US.

Alongside first-timers Evan Murphy, Stefan Okunbar and David Shaw, McDaid participated in training, was interviewed by all 13 clubs represented on the tour, and was a part of the team's training reviews and planning meetings.

Academy assistant coach and former Sydney star Tadhg Kennelly was also on hand as the hopefuls tried to push their case to clubs interested in adding a category B rookie to their list.

McDaid had no qualms about coming back for another shot when Kennelly contacted him to see if he would attend the Irish combine late last year. He has seen from afar the life Joyce and Connellan are living, and wants to experience it for himself.

"I really want to give it a go and have no regrets. Last year talking to recruiters I got a real idea about how hard they want people to work, so I tried to find that level in the past year," he said.

"They seemed happy enough with how I was going last year but I was still doing school so that might have been a bit of a problem. I've strengthened up a little over the past year and have played more senior football back home.

"My skills are good now and I'm happy enough with the footy. Kicking wise and on both feet I think I've improved."

The talented Gaelic youngster's previous experience with the Sherrin meant McDaid was the most advanced player with the ball during training last week, but the other hopefuls also impressed in different ways.

Murphy's ability to adapt quickly to become a solid kick was noteworthy, and Shaw's height (194cm) and movement across the ground may appeal to clubs looking to develop a taller type.

Okunbar's athleticism and tenacity was especially evident, with the 18-year-old relishing the tackling side of training. The 189cm Okunbar hails from Kerry but has a Nigerian background, and is already physically developed.

"Everyone made me feel very welcoming and they're all great lads. I felt pretty comfortable out there on the track with them, and just wanted to have a crack. I felt I could compete physically, even though I was surprised by how big they are," he said.

"Most of the Australian boys are only 17 years old and if they had told me they were 20 I'd have understood it. They're huge, it's crazy for them to be six foot tall and still growing at their age."

Although only new to the Australian game, Okunbar has seen enough to know he wants to chase a professional career in the AFL. His first taste of the game has left a mark in his mind.

"I'm in college in Limerick and study engineering and I can't see myself sitting at a desk the rest of my life. I want to reach my full potential and use my athleticism somewhere," he said.

"The whole idea of a professional set up: get up, train, sleep and do it again every day, is something I'd love to do."