While Mayo gear up for an All-Ireland semi-final this weekend, one of their most talented footballers has just signed a five-year deal with the Brisbane Lions.
James Horan would love to have Pearce Hanley to call on, but the former minor footballer has been in blistering form Down Under and has been rewarded for a brilliant season for the Lions.
Despite the departure of coach and club legend Michael Voss, the 24 year-old has penned a five year deal, and while it won’t be officially announced until next week, Hanley said it was a simple decision to stay.
“It was just a matter of getting the right contract,” Hanley told The Courier Mail.
“There was no rush, I wasn’t going anywhere. I love the club. We are a tight playing group, a really united playing group.”
Hanley has made a huge contribution to Brisbane this season in particular, as this extract from The Hearld Sun confirms.
“It is matter of when, not if, he wins All-Australian honours and he is the red-hot favourite for Brisbane’s best-and-fairest award.
“After being a latecomer to the game, the County Mayo product has become the Lions’ most important player as he can single-handedly tear a game apart with his running ability, beautiful kick and creative flair.
“The Lions lack genuine match-winners but Hanley is a legitimate AFL star.”
Positive times indeed for Mayo football.
