Kerry U20 star Murphy set to make AFL move
October 16, 2025
Tyrone's Cónán Devlin with Ben Murphy of Kerry during the All-Ireland U20FC final in Portlaoise ©INPHO/Ben Brady
Kerry U20 defender Ben Murphy is expected to sign for AFL side Brisbane Lions next month.
The Austin Stacks clubman, who was a minor with the Kingdom in 2023 and 2024, was part of Tomás Ó Sé's U20 side this past season but is now set to be unavailable for the 2026 campaign.
He is expected to sign as a category B rookie with the Lions who already have Irish contingent in Kilkenny's Darragh Joyce, with Tyrone All-Ireland winner Conor McKenna currently out of contract but expected to sign a one-year extension with the Brisbane club
The 18-year-old’s seemingly imminent departure is set to be a blow to Kerry who have already saw promising young players such as Mark O’Connor, Cillian Burke and Rob Monohan depart for Australia in pursuit of a professional career in Aussie Rules.
TweetAustin Stacks’ Ben Murphy expected to join Brisbane Lions in the AFL next month @sportsmounthawk @AustinStacksGAA @Kerry_Official #Kerry https://t.co/bSAFjqvTtb
— The Kerryman (@kerryman_ie) October 15, 2025
