TALENTED young Gaelic footballer Conor Glass could become another Irish import in coming years after visiting Hawthorn over the past two weeks.
The 16-year-old from Derry was invited to visit the club with his father and will head back to Ireland on Friday.
Considered an up-and-coming star Glass, who has won two Ulster junior titles with the Watty Graham team, as well as MacRory and Hogan Cup crowns with St Patrick's, Maghera, spent the time with the Hawks looking around the club and getting a feel for Australia’s indigenous game.
Given his age, AFL rules meant Glass wasn't allowed to actually train with the Hawks, but he was able to do some development work with club recruiting and special projects manager Mark McKenzie.
While there are no guarantees he'll be recruited by the Hawks when he turns 18, Glass is certainly highly rated in his homeland.
The lightly-framed redhead is considered an exceptional talent, with Watty Graham minor manager Fergal McCusker a big wrap.
"He has been in contact with the Australian club (Hawthorn) for the past six to12 months, and is away to Australia for two weeks," McCusker told Gaelic Life.
"He is seeing if he agrees with the climate, and he will see the structure and the set up.
"He is just a great young fella. He is a very level-headed, sensible guy.
"His attitude is that he wants to go out and play professional sport and who wouldn't at that age. But he has to wait until he is 18-and-a-half."
Hawthorn's last Irish experiment Ciarán Kilkenny left the club in January last year just weeks after moving to Australia, citing a stronger desire to play his native games of hurling and Gaelic football than Australian football.
