Under Rule 21.10, clubs with 38 players on their list (not including veteran players) are able to nominate a rookie player to be available for senior selection so long as it satisfies the Total Player Payments requirements.
With the commencement of the 2008 Toyota AFL Premiership Season less than a week away, it is reassuring news for Lions fans that the talented 21 year-old rookie is now available for selection in the seniors.
Begley first tasted senior action less than 12 months after he first arrived in Australia when the club elevated him towards the latter stages of the 2006 season.
He was elevated again at the beginning of the 2007 season as a result of his impressive performances with the Lions throughout their 2007 AFL NAB Cup campaign where he generated great run from the backline playing predominantly as a medium-sized defender.
With a total of 21 career matches in two seasons, Begley’s rise through the AFL ranks has been nothing short of remarkable.
The recruit from Stradbally in County Laios in Ireland is now looking forward to embarking on his third season with the Lions and hopes to remain and the club for a while yet.
“I’d love to stay here as long as I can and hopefully I can get better and better each year,” Begley said.
“I really enjoy being here in Brisbane and playing the game.”
