Cillian Burke is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Kerry man Mark O’Connor as an AFL Premiership winner with Geelong.

The 21-year-old Milltown clubman has moved Down Under after signing as a Category B rookie with the Cats who already have Dingle’s O'Connor and Mayo's Oisín Mullen on their books. Burke’s move comes after he enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season with Kerry.

“When Mark O’Connor originally came over here, seeing him play in a Grand Final gave plenty of interest to people back home because he was local,” Burke told the Australian media on his first day at Geelong.

“I met him and Oisín back at home when they were over there recently. Seeing them play and especially Oisín because he is closer in age, it shows a pathway to know you can follow them. He also got into the team this year which was exciting. It was a journey that I could follow really.

“Everything with Geelong so far has been super smooth, they are very accommodating of all Irish players. That is why there are so many here – it has been very good so far.”

Someone get this man a jar of @Vegemite pronto 🍞 Get to know our newest Cat, Cillian Burke! pic.twitter.com/9gPAE7MdVh

— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) November 19, 2024

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