The Brisbane Lions have gone international in a bid to further improve their list, signing one of Ireland’s young rising Gaelic stars Ben Murphy.

The Brisbane Lions have gone international in a bid to further improve their list, signing one of Ireland’s young rising Gaelic stars Ben Murphy.

Securing the talented 18-year-old’s signature as a Category B rookie comes almost two years after the Lions first identified the Kerry and Austin Stacks midfielder.

Murphy, who received interest from several other AFL clubs, said he was thrilled to become a Lion and to be starting a new life in Brisbane.

“I am really excited to get the chance to join the Brisbane Lions and play AFL,” Murphy said.

“I think anyone joining a team in the position the Lions are in, as back-to-back premiers, would be delighted and I am no different.”

Murphy becomes the third current Irish player on the Lions’ AFL list and sixth in total at the Club including three AFLW players.

The talented teenager said he is taking inspiration from premiership Lion Conor McKenna and defender Darragh Joyce as well as rival stars.

One of those is Geelong’s Mark O’Connor who Murphy lined up on last weekend in a final back home in Ireland between Austin Stacks and Dingle.

Seeing these players make the code switch and move across the globe has Murphy confident he can do the same.

“AFL is similar enough to Gaelic, though I expect to face a few obstacles like getting used to a totally new ball – but I’m excited to face the challenge,” Murphy said.

“There have been a number of players make the switch like Conor (McKenna) and Darragh (Joyce) already at the club.

“But there are also a few other players that I aspire to be like back in Kerry like Mark O’Connor, Cillian Burke (Geelong) and I went to school with Rob Monahan (Carlton) as well.

“Seeing a person so close to you being successful really gives you the confidence that you can be too if you put your mind to it.

“I also hope to inspire other young players by showing them if you keep working hard you will get your opportunities too.”

Brisbane Lions Pro Scout, Shane Rogers has played a key role in identifying and putting in the work to sign Murphy.

The experienced recruiter said the Club was excited to have Murphy arriving at Brighton Homes Arena for the 2026 season.

“We are delighted to have Ben sign with the Club because he is an elite talent,” Rogers said

“He stands at 191 centimetres and is growing, he has speed, has agility and an ability to read the game quickly.

“One of the attractive aspects of his recruitment is his calm demeanour, especially when under pressure within the game that allows him to make excellent decisions.

“He also displays impressive traits such as strong work ethic; he is mature beyond his years and has leadership qualities including being the Kerry under-17 captain.”

Murphy’s recruitment is set to add further versatility to the Lions’ list, giving coach Chris Fagan another player who can play various positions.

“He has been a midfielder in Gaelic, though with his size and athletic profile it should allow him to play multiple roles at AFL level,” Rogers explained.

“He will start as a defender initially whilst he learns the game but has scope to develop craft across a number of lines and the ability to play wing long term.

“We look forward to having Ben arrive for preseason training next month and also welcome the Murphy family of Benny, Claire, Jack and Harry to the Lions.”