McDaid was one of two Irishman to show his wares at the AFL's draft combine in recent days, the other being Kerry's Stefan Okunbar, who is of Nigerian descent.

At 185 centimetres, McDaid is described by the AFL as a "skilful and composed playmaker who is a good decision-maker and user of the ball with his right and left foot kicking a feature," also possessing "elite agility and speed." He has twice tested with the AFL academy in the United States. Both Okunbar - a speedy 190 centimetre prospect - and McDaid have been linked with Essendon and St Kilda as well, but it's understood the Blues have shown genuine interest in McDaid, who they would be able to sign outside the draft as an international rookie. McDaid was one of three Irishmen who tested with the AFL academy in Florida last year, with the other two - Ray Connellan and Darragh Joyce - subsequently picked up by the Saints.

The Blues have been among the most active participants in the AFL's "Irish experiment". They had brothers Setanta and Aisake ?? hAilp??n on their books in the mid 2000s, and have more recently been the home for Zach Tuohy, who played 120 games in six seasons with the Blues before joining Geelong at the end of last season. The rebounding defender starred in his first year with the Cats, playing every game and finishing third in the club's best and fairest.

Carlton still have Irish defenders Ciaran Sheehan and Ciaran Byrne on their list, despite both players having been ravaged by injury during their time at Ikon Park. Senior-listed Byrne, 22, is contracted until the end of 2019, however rookie-listed Sheehan, 26, is understood to have been left in limbo as one of several Carlton players whose futures at the club won't be confirmed until after the trade period.