Mark O’Connor continues to excel there while Kerry's need here has never been greater

Mark O'Connor makes his 100th appearance for Geelong but has not ruled out a return to Gaelic football in the future. 

HUNDRED APPEARANCES: Mark O'Connor made his 100th appearance for Geelong on Thursday.  Pic:Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The crown was coming. In the decade-spanning storied history of Gaelic footballers moving to Australian rules, only six have played 100 games. Mark O’Connor became the latest on Thursday, kicking a goal as Geelong suffered a 39-point loss.

It was always a case of when not if. That is what his team-mate Zach Tuohy said three years ago when O’Connor was appointed to the club’s leadership group. When the Dingle club man made his debut in 2017 as a rookie, Tadhg Kennelly also cited his leadership as reason for such a rapid progression. He said his fellow Kerryman is mistaken for being quiet.