Donegal's Roarty latest to make AFL switch

Donegal have been dealt a blow for their 2027 prospects after defender Finnbarr Roarty signed a two-year rookie contract with Aussie Rules outfit Collingwood.

The 20-year-old, who was named Young Footballer of the Year in 2025, will head down under at the end of this month.

Roarty will first represent his club Naomh Conaill in Sunday's Donegal SFC final against St Eunan's at Ballybofey.

Jim McGuinness handed Roarty his senior inter-country debut in the 2012 All-Ireland-winning manager's first game back at the helm in January 2024.

Then only 17-years-old, Gaelic Athletic Association [GAA] rules decreed he should not have featured and would have to wait until the 2025 season for his breakthrough.

A key figure in Donegal's Ulster title and run to the All-Ireland final of that season, his loss will be keenly felt by the county.

The move follows a similar switch made by Kobe McDonald this year with the 18-year-old joining St Kilda after helping Mayo end a 75-year wait for Sam Maguire in July.