Big blow for Westmeath as Heslin is set for Aussie Rules switch

Westmeath's teenage midfield ace John Heslin has been selected for a two-year contract with the Australia Football League (AFL), following in the footsteps of other Irish greats, like Sydney Swans' Tadhg Kennelly and St. Kilda's Tommy Walsh. Described by many as the brightest talent that Westmeath football has produced in many years, the St. Loman's star has been on the rise for some time. Heslin played for the Westmeath minor team for the past two years and he played a starring role in the county's march to last year's Leinster U-21 final. He recently shone during UCD's Sigerson Cup campaign, where it is believed he was spotted by the Aussie Rules scouts. The 18-year-old has been omitted from the Westmeath U-21 side for tonight's Leinster semi-final against Longford in Navan, even though he is available for selection following the end of a four-week suspension. Speaking this week, John said he is hoping to get a run at the Leinster senior championship with Westmeath this year, before heading down under for the AFL pre-season. "I'm hoping to get a run in the championship with the seniors this year just to make sure I'm not missing out on anything," said John, who could not reveal which of Melbourne's twelve teams he has been signed up to until it is officially announced. John, who flew out to Melbourne for a trial last week, said he learned a lot about how the professional game is played. "It was a great experience to go out there and learn the different aspects to a professional game, I mean I try to be as professional as I can be myself here anyway, watching what I eat and how I train," he said. Asked if he would miss home when he departs for Australia, John said that while it was a huge opportunity, he would miss his friends and football here at home. "I am obviously going to miss my friends and playing with the people I have grown up with, but I have to take the chance while it's there. These opportunities don't come along too often, and it's something I've always wanted to do." As for his education, John, who is studying Agricultural Science in UCD, said that, with the club he is signed to, it is mandatory to continue your education.