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Kerry GAA stars waiting on AFL star's decision that could be big boost

This would be a massive boost to the Kingdom.

[Dingles Mark O'Connor]

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Dingles Mark O'Connor(Image: Mandatory Credit INPHO/James Crombie)

Kerry supporters are getting excited at the prospect of a key man returning from the AFL to possibly play for the Kingdom.

Geelong Cats star Mark O'Connor is currently in negotiations with the AFL side, with reports from Australia suggesting that no agreement on a new deal has been reached as the 29-year-old weighs up his future.

O'Connor is sure to attract interest from fellow AFL clubs, with rivals North Melbourne and Essendon thought to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

The Kerryman has been plying his trade in Australia for almost a decade now and has blossomed into one of the top Irish exports to ever make it in the AFL. In 2022, he won the top prize in the sport - The Premiership title - making him one of only four Irishmen (Tadgh Kennelly, Zach Tuohy, Mark O'Connor and Conor McKenna) to ever win the AFL Grand Final and take home a Premiership winner's medal.

While a star down under, O'Connor has never represented the Kingdom at senior level. He excelled at underage level winning Munster and All-Ireland minor titles, and has performed heroic feats for his club, Dingle in the offseason, famously leading his club to All-Ireland club glory earlier this year.

O'Connor has long been held up as the lost player of this Kerry generation, and if his performances for Dingle are anything to go by, he would slot right in with the Kingdom should he return.

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