Kerry's Mark O'Connor weighing up AFL future amid contract talks

The 29-year-old's contract at Geelong expires at the end of the AFL season. He has held contract discussions with the Cats, and other clubs are said to be interested. 

Mark O'Connor won an All-Ireland senior club title with Dingle this year. Seb Daly/Sportsfile

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

According to the AFL website, the Kerryman, who has spent a decade at Geelong, has held discussions with the Cats about a new deal.

It is also said that North Melbourne and Essendon, two clubs based close to Geelong, have shown interest in signing the 29-year-old. O'Connor has played 158 games for Geelong since making his debut in 2017. He also won a premiership with the club in 2022. 

A return home is another possible option. That was the subject of speculation throughout the winter as O'Connor played a key part in Dingle's run to the Kerry SFC and All-Ireland senior club titles. O'Connor won minor All-Irelands with Kerry in 2014 and 2015 before moving Down Under. 

Speaking on the BBC's GAA Social podcast in April, Kerry great Jack O'Shea was optimistic about O'Connor playing with the Kingdom once again. 

"You look at Mark O'Connor who came back with Dingle this year," O'Shea said.

"He's an outstanding player, and it looks like he'll be coming home for Kerry next year, hopefully. His contract is up. I was talking to him after the club final and I think it would be one of his big ambitions to come back and win an All-Ireland with Kerry. Phenomenal footballer. He's some athlete."

On a another episode of the same podcast, Kerry All-Ireland winner Tommy Walsh - himself a former AFL player - said he believes O'Connor will wear green and gold in the future. 

"I think so, but it's a big ask for a guy in his position because you look at what he's giving up as well," said Walsh.

"It's not all about money, obviously, but he'd be on a decent wedge, I would imagine. It's a lot to walk away from that, but I'd love to see him back because you saw what he was like in the run with Dingle. It would be fantastic to see him back."