Derry native Callum Brown’s remarkable form continued last weekend as the GWS Giants star kicked five goals in a 54-point win over North Melbourne.

Brown led the way with an equal career-high five as the Giants maintained their spot in the top eight with two games left in the regular season.

“Just seven (touches),” Brown smiled post-match. “If I don’t get subbed off, that is a good thing right? Maybe it is a bit quiet, but kicking five goals sort of helps the team I guess.

“Coming off a bit of a dry spell the last two weeks, haven’t kicked anything. It is obviously nice to get on the scoreboard again and help the team out.” 

Last month, Brown signed a new three-year deal to continue in Australia until at least the end of the 2028 season. Former Young Footballer of the Year Oisín Mullin recently signed a new two-year contract.

Elsewhere, Kerry’s Mark O’Connor has enjoyed career-best form for Geelong while Meath’s Conor Nash continues to excel with Hawthorn.

Cork’s Mark Keane was impressive once more for the Adelaide Crows in their win over West Coast on Sunday. The Irish defender was recognised in the AFLCA coaches’ votes, Keane rounded out the vote-getters, after finishing with 17 disposals, 11 intercepts and six marks.

Every week, the two senior coaches for each game give votes on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis. The player with the most votes at the end of the season will win the Champion Player of the Year award.

Meanwhile, there are a host of players looking for more AFL action or a contract extension. Monaghan’s Karl Gallagher is yet to debut as his second rookie year moves towards its conclusion.

For the Irish at 2024 Premiership winners Brisbane Lions, it has been a mixed campaign. Tyrone All-Ireland winner Conor McKenna has only played five games so far this season. Kilkenny’s Darragh Joyce has not featured in the AFL in 2025 and is out of contract at the end of the year.

Kerry’s Rob Monahan, who joined Melbourne outfit Carlton at the end of 2023, is also out of contract at the end of the season and yet to debut.

Ballincollig and Cork man Liam O’Connell is another Irish player pushing for a break through. He has played seven games this season since debuting earlier this year. He is joined at the club by Meath U20 star Eamonn Armstrong, who flew Down Under last month after completing his Leaving Cert.