Cats hope new recruit brings luck of the Irish

GEELONG has strengthened its formidable Irish connection, securing the services of one of County Kerry’s most promising young players for the next two years.

While the finer details of the deal are yet to be confirmed, 20-year-old Stefan Okunbor is set to be reunited with fellow Kerry product Mark O’Connor at the Cats.

Okunbor, who is of IrishAfrican descent, was invited to the 2017 AFL Academy camp in Florida where he was spot- ted by Corey Enright, and subsequently attended the national combine later that year. He tested well athletically at the combine, with his vertical jump in particular standing out.

But despite not doing enough to earn a spot on an AFL list, the Geelong recruiting team, led by Stephen Wells and Troy Selwood, has kept a close eye on his progress.

Geelong has been enamoured by Okunbor’s physicality and believes he has the attributes to develop as a rebounding defender or winger, but it is likely that he will play as a third defender.

Those close to Okunbor say he is driven, humble and willing to do anything to become an AFL footballer, and his ball handling skills and composure at ground level stood out to recruiters during his time with the Na Gaeil club in Tralee and for Kerry, with whom he won an All-Ireland minor final two years ago.

He was recently named as the Munster under-20 player of the year and the Na Gaeil club said in a statement that he went with its blessing.

“We wish to confirm that Stefan Okunbor has signed for AFL club Geelong on a twoyear contract,” the Na Gaeil Club said in a statement.

“Stefan has been one of the stars of our senior team over the past few years as well as an underage star for the club all the way up the various age groups.

“He was exemplary both on and off the field and a role model for all in the club, and while we are very sad to be losing such an outstanding talent we wish Stefan all the best from all in the Na Gaeil Club.

“We hope he makes it in the AFL but if he decides to return at any stage, the club will wel- come him back with open arms. He has been a shining light in our club and while his teammates will miss him on and off the pitch, he is embarking on an exciting adventure in professional sport and he carries all our best wishes and we are sure the good wishes of all in Kerry GAA.”

Okunbor continues Geelong’s recent Irish links, with O’Connor and Padraig Lucey (2015-16) both products of the Cats’ Irish venture.

Zach Tuohy, who arrived at the Cats in 2017 after being traded from Carlton, is also from Ireland.