It’s been just five years since Irishman Pearce Hanley decided to leave his native Gaelic game and move to Australia to try his luck with an unfamiliar oval-shape football.

And his transformation during that time has been nothing short of remarkable.

Hanley has since played 39 senior AFL matches, has secured a top-five finish in the Lions' Club Champion award, and is largely regarded as the best Irish export currently in the competition.

But even though he’s now an established AFL player, the 23 year-old still harbours feelings towards his beloved national code.

“I really miss playing Gaelic footy,” Hanley revealed during a live chat with fans on lions.com.au.

“But I have a new love for AFL, so it’s not too bad.”

Fortunately for Lions fans, Hanley recently re-signed with the Club which effectively rules out a return back to his first love - Gaelic football - anytime in the near future.

Another attraction leaning Hanley further in the AFL’s direction is his relatively new role which enables him to play more minutes on the wing.

“I love playing on the wing. It gives you a bit more freedom to run around without an opponent, and a better chance of getting up the field to kick some goals.”

Also during the light-hearted discussion with fans, the Irishman also validted a commonly-held theory surrounding his home-town’s love of potatoes.

“I love potatoes and everything to do with them - whether they are mashed, sweet, boiled, or fried,” he said.

“(My favourite food is also) Sheppard’s Pie - it’s amazing.”

Jokingly, Hanley also went so far to suggest that everyone Lions fan should “eat potatoes tonight in honour of me”.

CLICK HERE to read more of Hanley’s thoughts on topics including ‘The Voice’, his young house-mates and last week’s torrential downpour in Brisbane.