DOB: 3 July 1964
Only Game: Round 22, 1984 against Richmond at MCG
From: Roscommon, Ireland
Number: 56 (1984)
Games: 1
Goals: 1
Career Statistics
| Wins | Draws | Losses | Winning % |
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 |
Statistical categories led:
Most games in jumper 56
Most goals in jumper 56
The first Irish player to appear in the VFL responded to a newspaper advertisement from Melbourne, but thought his chances of being signed to play in the foreign code were finished when he had to miss tryouts due to an ankle injury. Impressed by a season where he jumped from the Gaelic Football equivalent of the thirds to the seniors, the Demons tracked the teenager down later in the season to arrange a personal tryout. He impressed and was signed to a two year scholarship contract.
Earley didn't move to Australia until mid-1983, after being delayed at home with the illness and subsequent death of his father. He overcome a groin injury from excessive kicking practice early in the season to play out the year in the Under 19s. He returned to Ireland over summer and played with his old side while on holiday. On his return to Australia in 1984 he played for the Reserves, graduating to the senior side in the last game of the year.
Earley kicked a goal amongst nine touches while playing on a wing during his debut, but was less successful when moved into defence. Homesick, and safe in the knowledge that his old employer had held his job open for the years he'd been in Australia, Earley returned home before the reserves finals series to rejoin Roscommon and play alongside his elder brother Dermot, a Gaelic Football legend, who was approaching the end of his career.
At the end of the next season he was named in the league's all-star team, played in the international rules series in 1987, then won two regional championships in 1990 and 1991.
He later managed the Allenwood and Celbridge clubs and worked as a TV commentator. Returning to Australia in the early 2000's, Earley agreed to help the Sydney Swans scout Irish players and was instrumental in the Swans signing future premiership player Tadgh Kennelly.
In 2013 he succeeded another former Demon in Anthony Tohill as coach of the the Irish International Rules team and led them to a record victory over Australia.
| Year | Games | Goals | Brownlow |
| 1984 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Lists
Overseas Born Players
Last game of the season debuts
One Game
The Irish Experiment
Notes
May have played Under 19s immediately after arriving from Ireland.
Media
Age - 01/06/1983
Irish Press - 03/06/1983
Irish Press - 06/12/1983
Canberra Times - 02/09/1984
Irish Independent - 30/01/1985
Brisbane Times - 24/10/2009