IRISH ACE O’CONNOR STAYING WITH CLUB

Irish Cat Mark O’Connor has penned a two-year extension with Geelong, tying him to the club until the end of 2026.

O’Connor was eligible as a free agent at the end of the season but told this publication last month he was eager to remain at the Cats.

The Kerry product (pictured) has gone from a raw category B rookie to a reliable and underrated senior regular, playing 49 consecutive games with Geelong — since round 4 of 2022 — to take him to 114 in total.

O’Connor’s new deal will likely see

him surge into fourth for VFL/AFL games played for all Irishmen, with the 27-year-old set to pass former Melbourne player Sean Wight (150) and ex-Brisbane and Gold Coast rebounder Pearce Hanley (169).

His Geelong teammate Zach Tuohy (273), Melbourne great Jim Stynes (264) and Sydney premiership player Tadhg Kennelly (197) currently sit on the podium for all Irish players.

O’Connor said in March that the Cats were highly regarded back in his homeland.

“Of course I’m keen to stay with the Cats, I love it here,” O’Connor said.

“The Irish tend to enjoy Geelong because it has that big country town feel when compared to the hustle and bustle of the big city in Melbourne.

“It does fill us with pride, we are almost Ireland’s team at home just because we have so many players now and a good history with Irish prospects.”

O’Connor started round 4 as the substitute against the Western Bulldogs but has otherwise had a strong season. His new deal comes after having 15 disposals, nine marks, five tackles and kicking a goal against North Melbourne.