Ciaran ‘Casey’ Byrne, the third Irish player on Carlton’s playing list alongside ever-present Portlaois defender Zach Tuohy, 25, and Cork’s Ciaran Sheehan, 24, is taking nothing for granted in his quest to follow in his compatriots’ footsteps by playing in the AFL this season.
Byrne, 20, overcome minor ankle and knee injuries to play 14 VFL games for the Northern Bullants last season. His promising displays earned him a history-making Carlton debut in round one of the NAB Challenge alongside Tuohy and Sheehan in February, when the Navy Blues became the first AFL team to field three Irish players.
Now into his second year as an international rookie, Byrne is determined to force his way into AFL contention through consistent four-quarter displays for the Northern Blues this season.
“I’ve been a Carlton player for 18 months and my priority this season is to keep my head down and play a consistent four-quarter game in the VFL every week,” Byrne told the Irish Mirror.
“I’ve overcome last year’s injuries so now I can focus on being more consistent and hopefully that will earn me an AFL debut before too long.
“It was a great honour to play with Zach and Ciaran in the NAB Challenge against the West Coast Eagles, so by putting in some more hard work, I will give myself the best chance of playing with them in the AFL as well.”
Byrne, who believes his best position is at half-back flank, has learned some from valuable lessons form his NAB Challenge appearances.
“I’ve learned that first and foremost I need to defend and lock down my opponent before creating an opportunity for a one-on-one contest on the wing when I can use my pace to move the ball forward,” Byrne said.
“Its something I will improve on as I get more experience.”
And Byrne added:
“Whether I get to make my AFL debut this year, next year, or whenever, is up to the coaches, but I am going to do everything possible to make sure I am ready to show the fans what I can do.”
Heading to the game on Thursday night? Our friends at Secure Parking are offering Blues fans who book online FREE PARKING in any of their Melbourne CBD carparks. Click here to secure your spot.
