Kerry Supporters Wait In Hope As AFL Star Weighs Up Future

Mark O'Connor is reportedly weighing up his AFL future, with the Kerryman's contract at Geelong due to expire at the end of the 2026 season.

According to the AFL's official website, discussions have already taken place between O'Connor and Geelong regarding a new deal, but a decision on his future has yet to be made.

The report also states that rival clubs North Melbourne and Essendon have shown interest in securing the services of the 29-year-old, who has become one of the most respected Irish exports in Australian Rules football.

However, any uncertainty surrounding his future is sure to attract attention back home in Kerry.

A return to Ireland has been the subject of speculation for some time, particularly after Mark O'Connor played a starring role during Dingle's remarkable run to the Kerry Senior Football Championship and All-Ireland club title last winter.

The former Kerry minor captain looked as though he had never been away, producing a series of impressive performances that inevitably led to questions about whether a return to the county setup could follow.

O'Connor won All-Ireland minor titles with Kerry in both 2014 and 2015 before departing for Australia and has long been viewed as a player who could make a significant impact at senior inter-county level if he ever chose to return permanently.

Over the last number of seasons, the Kingdom have regularly been forced to cope without key midfielders. Diarmuid O'Connor, Joe O'Connor and Barry Dan O'Sullivan have all spent periods on the sidelines through injury.

The prospect of adding a player with O'Connor's athleticism, experience and versatility to that area of the field would be hugely appealing.

Geelong remain keen to retain him, while interest from other AFL clubs suggests he would have no shortage of options should he decide to continue his career Down Under.

But with his current deal approaching its conclusion and his future still undecided, the coming months could prove significant both for Geelong and for Kerry supporters dreaming of seeing one of the county's most talented exports return home.