Former minor marvel Madden extends AFL contract

Former Dublin minor and U21 footballer, James Madden, has extended his contract with Australian FL side Brisbane Lions until the end of the 2021 season.

The Ballyboden St Enda's speedster is part of North East AFL’s undefeated side as he chases the target of making his AFL proper debut.

“I’m delighted to sign on. I’ve really enjoyed my time so far at the club and I can’t wait to see what the next couple of years hold,” said James.

Brisbane Lions General Manager of Football David Noble said: “James has demonstrated his talent through his consistent form in the NEAFL and his dedication to learning and improving his AFL knowledge has been outstanding.

“He is a quietly driven young man who has a thirst to succeed."

James was a minor footballer with the Dubs in 2016 and again in 2017, when he was a vital member of Tom Gray's Leinster MFC winning side.

In 2018 he was part of the Dublin side that reached the Leinster U21FC final.

Last year he also made his SFC starting debut for Ballyboden St Enda's scoring a wonder goal in their round-robin clash against Kilmacud Crokes before heading Down Under in Autumn.

James joined the Brisbane Lions as a Category B Rookie on a two-year contract.

He broke the all-time AFL Draft Combine 20-metre sprint record at the European Combine last year, running 2.69 seconds. He also travelled to Florida, USA to train with the AFL Academy.