PEARCE Hanley’s bid to be Ireland’s greatest AFL footballer has become a family feud after the Lions signed his teenage brother Cian, who is considered one of Gaelic football’s brightest stars.

Brisbane will have to wait 12 months before Cian is ready to kick his first Sherrin after the 17-year-old suffered an ACL injury in the All Ireland minor (under-18s) semi-final last week.

The Lions have also confirmed their interest in Essendon star Paddy Ryder, who is reportedly seeking a fresh start and has strong links to the Sunshine State through his wife, who is a Queenslander.

Cian Hanley captained County Mayo’s under-18s and is considered one of the best under-age players in the Gaelic Athletic Association.

Lions football manager Dean Warren said the injury was a setback but did not alter Brisbane’s plans to bring Cian to Australia on an International Rookie contract when the players return from their annual leave.

“It is really shattering for him, but we have made a commitment to him and we will stick by him,’’ he said.

“It is an opportunity for us, he will be able to do a lot of skill acquisition training and work in the gym so we don’t think we’ll lose that much time because of the injury.’’

Warren said Lions scouts had identified Cian as an outstanding prospect for the transition to AFL and were sold when Pearce, who has now joined the AFL’s elite, returned home from his Christmas holidays last year and declared Cian had breezed through the off-season training program devised by Lions fitness coach Brett Burton.

media_camera Pearce Hanley has elevated himself into the elite bracket. Picture: Colleen Petch.

“I may have him covered for pace, but endurance wise, he was light years in front of me,’’ Pearce said.

“I’m thrilled I can be here to help him out but having family here, and another Irishman, will be great for me too.

“I have missed out on watching him play his football so far, so I am really looking forward to that also.”

Warren confirmed the Lions’ interest in Ryder, whose management is exploring a clause in his contract that could allow the ruckman to leave Essendon at the end of the season as a delisted free agent.

The key Bomber, who signed a four-year contract in 2012, could leave the club on the grounds it seriously breached its duty of care to him through the 2011-12 supplements scandal.

“If Paddy Ryder wanted to leave Essendon and we are his preferred club, we will obviously be looking to see what we can do. He is a fantastic player,’’ Warren said.

It is understood new Lions CEO Greg Swann has already met Ryder’s management company.