Derry manager Damian McErlain admits the loss of three of the county's rising stars to Aussie Rules is hard to take.

Conor Glass moved to Hawthorn last year, Anton Tohill signed for Collingwood less than a fortnight ago, while Callum Brown's departure to Great Western Sydney Giants was announced yesterday.

"They’re the sort of men you need to actually build a county side, so that is a bit of a blow," McErlain told the Irish News.

“I suppose it also demonstrates the good work that’s going in Derry, in the clubs and development squads, that players are actually at that level when these scouts come looking. Physically they’re developed to the right level, and the Australians look into the mindset as well, the attitude, so that’s obviously a factor too.

“It speaks well of Derry but yes, it is a blow. We are getting hit hard and it’s tough to swallow, but you have to run with it and let it go.

“At the same time, we played Kildare in the championship last year and three or four of the lads were back playing for them [Kevin Feely, Paddy Brophy, Paul Cribbin and Daniel Flynn] – they were excellent players, physically developed specimens altogether.

“Hopefully it becomes a career for the boys, but you just never know. I have to just work away with what I’ve got and if they come back, it would be a bonus.”

Keep up to date with all of Sunday afternoon's provincial club championship and county final action on the hoganstand.com live match tracker.

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