Stefan Okunbor's return from Australia could be game-changer for Kerry

Na Gaeil man  Okunbor has left the Geelong Cats following three years as a rookie and has returned to Ireland.

HOME AGAIN: Stefan Okunbor's return to Kerry is a boost for new kingdom manager Jack O'Connor, pictured with the Na Gaeil talent after the Munster U20 final against Cork in 2018. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach, Sportsfile

FORMER Kerry underage full-back Stefan Okunbor has left the Geelong Cats following three years as a rookie and has returned to Ireland.

Okunbor, from the Na Gaeil club in Tralee, appeared in 17 VFL contests in his three seasons. A student of the game, Okunbor turned heads in the VFL (developmental league) with his physicality playing predominantly as a defender.

The former Kerry All Ireland minor winner overcame an Achilles injury and limited game time due to the Covid-19 shutdown. But his return to the Kingdom is a welcome boost for returning Kerry manager Jack O'Connor. One of O'Connor's priorities will be to tighten up the defence - especially the full-back line - and Okunbor has already shown his talents at No 3 with a Minor All-Ireland for Kerry five years ago. In 2018 he was named Munster U20 player of the year on a team managed by O'Connor.

The Dromid man will officially be ratified for a third spell in charge of the Kingdom next Monday night at a county board meeting.

Okunbor's Na Gaeil club has now progressed to the Intermediate ranks in Kerry.

“Stefan showed great desire and commitment to become a better player,” Geelong’s general manager of football Simon Lloyd said.

“He was limited by injury and the lack of games through the shutdown. He is now back in Ireland and we hope he can enjoy a successful Gaelic football career.

“Everyone at the club wishes Stefan well in his future endeavours.”

Kerry boss O'Connor would also love to woo back Dingle's Mark O’Connor to the fold but along with Laois' Zach Tuohy, he has signed up for the Cats for the 2022 season while the Geelong's women's team have signed Mayo's Rachel Kearns ahead of the 2022 AFLW season due to start in January.