Cats claws into Kerry for Stefan
KERRY are losing another emerging talent with confirmation that Munster Under-20 Player of the Year Stefan Okunbor is to join Geelong Cats on a two-year rookie contract.
Okunbor will be linking up with Mark O’connor at the club, the Dingle man having been enticed to Australia two years ago after being earmarked as a star Kerry midfielder in the making.
The Kingdom managed to keep hold of teenage star David Clifford, who was also the subject of interest from AFL clubs.
But not Okunbor who won an All-ireland minor medal with the county in 2016 when coming on as a late substitute in the final win over Galway.
He then starred for the Kerry under-20 side at full-back as they won the Munster title this year under Jack O’connor and was a potential solution to what has been a troublesome position to fill for successive senior management teams.
Okunbor’s club, Tralee-based Na Gaeil, have confirmed his impending departure.
“We wish to confirm that Stefan Okunbor has signed for AFL club Geelong on a two-year contract,” the 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 on and off the field and a role model for all in the club. While we are very sad to be losing such an outstanding talent we wish Stefan all the best.
“We hope he makes it in the AFL but if he decides to return at any stage, the club will welcome him back with open arms.”