James Madden

Departed Brisbane speedster makes Gaelic return

The 25-year-old left the Lions last year.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Former Brisbane defender James Madden made his return to Gaelic Football, suiting up for GAA side Dublin in their season opener overnight.

Madden left the Lions shortly after the club's 2024 premiership win, with the Irishman's six seasons in Queensland coming to an end after 13 career games.

The 25-year-old earned his AFL debut in 2021 and would last feature for Brisbane in 2023 in a win over West Coast.

At the cessation of the most recent season, the club confirmed Madden had decided to return to Ireland in pursuit of a career in Gaelic Football.

The speedy flanker's latest move was yet to be announced but he has since linked up with Dublin, with Madden appearing in the side's two-point win over Mayo in their Division 1 opener.

"We have James Madden of course from the AFL who has joined us this year. He's moved back home," Dublin coach Dessie Farrell confirmed to his club's media arm prior to the opening match.

"It's a very different sport for him and it's taken him a while to get used to it.

"He's enjoying his time and we are enjoying working with him."

Madden was a late inclusion to the starting side ahead of Dublin's first match, with the side's next game to come against Donegal on February 1 local time.

Published by
Mitch Keating