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IT looks like one of Kerry’s most promising young stars is very, very, interested in a career playing in the AFL.
Mark O’Connor has made his intentions clear to AFL.com saying, “I do want to pursue an AFL career. It’s definitely something I want to do”.
The two-time All-Ireland minor champion was down-under taking part in AFL trials and has made a big impression on three Melbourne clubs who are vying for his signature.
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Geelong, North Melbourne and Melbourne are believed to interested in the 19-year-old Dingle midfielder who was invited to Australia to take part in trials by Tadhg Kennelly.
“At home it’s all amateur sport and there’s no professionals in the game at all. To be able to spend all of my time trying to improve my game is something that I’d like,” said Mark O’Connor, who was practicing the skills of Aussie Rules before he left for Australia.
“I’ll go back home and talk to my parents and talk things through and see what’s on the table. What I’ve learned over the past few weeks is everything happens quickly in the AFL. Only a couple of months ago Tadhg Kennelly invited me to the combine held in Ireland and I had played a lot of Gaelic football growing up,” O’Connor said.
“There’s a few Irish guys out here now and they’ve opened the door for me to come through the system. I went to the combine in Ireland and Tadhg was interested in bringing me out to see how I’d go against these guys.”
The Aussie acquisition of one of Kerry and Gaelic football’s most promising young stars would be a set-back for the county. Let’s hope this doesn’t usher in open season on more of the county’s up and coming young talent. If you see Tadhg Kennelly hanging around Fossa send him packing!
