Kerry U20 star Murphy set to make AFL move

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.

Austin 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