Electric Irishman James Madden relishes in breakout game for Brisbane

Irish rookie James Madden set the Gabba alight in the NEAFL curtain raiser against Redland on Sunday with a career-high five goals.

His five goals were complemented nicely with 16 disposals and six marks in what was arguably his best game for the club.

Having played as a running half-back through most of the season, and only kicking his first goal the week prior against Sydney Uni, the 19-year-old thrived in his side’s 97-point win.

“That’s my third game I’ve played forward now,” Madden told neafl.com.au.

“I’ve been playing half-back most of the other games. They told me just play up there, don’t worry about too much structurally, just play the game. It’s more instinct, whereas as a back it’s a lot about structure, so I’m really enjoying it up there.

“I played predominantly as a forward in Gaelic, just try and run as much as I could, it’s a bit different in Aussie Rules obviously, if you try and run past someone they grab you.

"I suppose it came together for me (on Sunday). I suppose I did most things right just on instinct.”

Madden only picked up a football for the first time 18 months ago, and has quickly adapted to Aussie Rules football, taking plenty of inspiration and natural instinct from his native Gaelic Football.

“I’ve been working on my craft, if I’ve been doing a lot of craft it’s just been kicking, kicking, kicking," he said.

"So when I take those marks I’m pretty nervous taking the kicks. I slotted three set shots today - three out of three - so obviously the kicking’s paying off. The marking’s not too different to Gaelic, it’s just a ball at the end of the day.

Madden joined the Lions as a Category B Rookie on a two-year contract last year after breaking the all-time AFL Draft Combine 20 metre sprint record at the European Combine, running 2.69 seconds. He also travelled to Florida, USA to train with the AFL Academy.

He made his NEAFL debut in Round 2, and has now strung together 10 games for the Lions. Madden said he is enjoying every second, and is just concentrating on improving each week.

“Physically I don’t feel like I’m under pressure, but just knowing structures, knowing how to play the game, playing on instinct, that kind of thing is what I am learning,” he said.

“It’ll come to me in a few more games, hopefully I’ll be getting better every week.”

Joining a long list of Lions competing for a senior spot, Madden is not trying to rush his evolution into an AFL footballer.

“I’m always pushing. Whenever the chance (to play AFL) comes, I’ll take it,” he said.

“I’m not really setting a date on it, I’ll just keep pushing as hard as I can to get into that team.”

Brisbane takes on the GIANTS on Sunday at 1pm.

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