Fermanagh defender Ultan Kelm has joined AFL club Fremantle Dockers on a rookie contract.

The highly-rated Erne Gaels clubman was set to make his move down under last year after impressing in the 2019 AFL Europe Combine, but the switch was stalled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Having played in his county’s Ulster championship quarter-final loss to Monaghan in July, it is understood that Kelm has been working with former Down and AFL star Martin Clarke as he looked to secure a deal with an AFL club.

Fremantle's head of player personnel David Walls told the club website described the 21-year-old as “professional” and “a really good athlete”.

"Ultan's been involved in the AFL Combines in Ireland and he's interviewed extremely well. He's desperate for an opportunity, he's professional and he's a really good athlete who plays with a lot of confidence and rebounds off half back," said Walls.

"What's impressed us most is how proactive he's been with following up with information, watching games and his understanding of the game.

"We've got all of his athletic data, which is off the charts, and he's provided us with plenty of footage of him practicing and kicking."

Excited with this!

We've committed to sign Northern Irishman @ultan_kelm from County Fermanagh.

Have a look at these highlights to see why 💨#foreverfreo

— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) October 14, 2021

Tweet

Most Read Stories