Longford and Dromard footballer Matt Duffy living the dream in Australia

Matt Duffy is currently settling into his new life at Carlton AFC, Melbourne after being given a two year contract as an international rookie in Australian Rules Football.

Matt appeared to have a good future ahead of him in GAA terms as a Dromard and Longford footballer. However, he can now live the dream as a professional sportsman.

Tall and athletic, young Duffy had been making a serious impression with Dromard and he had got some game time last year with the Longford senior footballers.

However, Matt had to overcome adversity to make the trip a few weeks ago to embark on the opportunity of a lifetime in Melbourne.

He picked up an ACL knee injury in the senior championship semi-final against Clonguish last September. 

His contract with Carlton commenced in November last year, but the six months since have been spent in rehabilitation on the road to recovery. 

The work that he has put into regaining full fitness typifies the lonely journey that many sportsmen must endure. The unseen hours of physio or gym work. The mental anguish that can go along with this.

The Leader spoke with Matt just a few days before he departed for Down Under last month.

“In the past six months, I have been working with Santry Sports Clinic and Liam Hogan, a physio there. That was twice a week,” he explained.

Working with Hogan then led Matt to working with Mark Brady, who is a strength and conditioning coach with the Dublin footballers.

“Mark also works in Santry Sports Clinic. During the past six months, I was also working over zoom with coaches from Carlton,” he stated.

Matt is now back running and his rehab work will continue in Carlton.

He admits that it has been a difficult period. “It has been mentally challenging, but I have learnt a lot from adversity. However, a massive positive for me was the reassurance I have been given from Carlton,” he commented.

“In Carlton, I will continue the rehab process under the guidance of high quality staff,” he added.

With the new season not starting until September, Matt has the summer to continue his recovery. 

“I am not sure that I will be playing by September but I am looking forward to being part of the group,” he stated.

Carlton are nicknamed the ‘Baggers. Matt will not be the only Irish player over there. He will be sharing a house with Kerry native Rob Monahan, a fellow international rookie. Former Mayo player Dayna Finn is on the ladies squad.

Matt is not the first Longford footballer to head to the AFL. In 2008, Mickey Quinn headed to Essendon as an 18 year old and spent three years in the AFL. 

Mickey returned home in 2011. Longford and Killoe soon began to reap the benefits of his three years as a professional athlete.

In truth, few Irish players have had long careers in the AFL, with former Laois underage star Zach Tuohy a notable exception. 

However, the dream endures, with AFL scouts watching underage games in the GAA.

Matt has spoken to his former Longford team-mate about what is involved in this life changing move.

“Mickey advised me to be an active learner. He also said I should take it all in, as well as backing my ability,” Matt explained.