HEAR the one about the Irishman and the Papua New Guinean?

They both arrived at Visy Park yesterday, but this was no joke.

In an example of the AFL’s increasing international reach, Zach Tuohy and Peter Labi were at Carlton’s first pre-season session.

Tuohy, 19, arrived in Melbourne on Saturday night from Irelandat half-back.

Labi, a 17-year-old from PNG with two years’ experience in Queensland, cannot wait to play alongside Chris Judd.

VFL next year, but Tuohy has the ability to make an impact in his first season.

“Carlton first contacted me when I was 17, but I was probably a bit young to come over,” Tuohy said yesterday.

“But I’ve matured a bit. Everything’s come together and I think it’s the right time.”

Tuohy spent a month with the Blues last season, striking up a friendship with compatriot Setanta O’hAilpin.

“Setanta’s pretty big news back home. He’s a big deal,” Tuohy said.

“He invited me around for dinner last time.”

Labi said he moved to Brisbane to “live his dream” of playing Australian Rules after playing a key role in Papua New Guinea’s International Cup success.

He played nine matches with the Lions reserves last year as a top-up player, but was overlooked by the club.

“I played half-back and played pretty well, and I thought they were going to pick me, or the Gold Coast, but it didn’t happen,” Labi said.

Herald Sun

Filed under: Laois Football