Ballincollig's Liam O’Connell extends St Kilda stay into 2027

DOWN UNDER: Ballincollig's Liam O'Connell has committed to Melbourne's St Kilda Saints next year. Pic: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

CORK'S Liam O’Connell has committed his future to AFL side St Kilda, with the Ballincollig native extending his stay into the 2027 season.

It marks another significant step in the rise of one of Cork’s most promising young exports, whose impact in Melbourne has steadily grown since making the switch from Gaelic football.

O’Connell made his Premiership debut for the Saints in March 2025, lining out against Adelaide Crows in the opening round.

It was a landmark moment for the former Cork underage player, who had moved to Australia as a Category B rookie in 2023.

Liam O'Connell during a St Kilda training session. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images Liam O'Connell during a St Kilda training session. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images The St Kilda website described him as “showcasing relentless pressure, physicality and maturity beyond his years”, a reflection of how quickly he adapted to the demands of the AFL.

The 23-year-old’s background in Australia helped smooth the transition. O’Connell lived there between the ages of four and 11 before returning home to Cork, and that familiarity with the country and its sporting culture has been evident in how naturally he has settled back into life in Melbourne.

His development since joining St Kilda ahead of the 2024 season has been steady and assured, with coaches increasingly trusting him in key defensive roles.

The Saints have now moved to secure his services for 2027, a season in which O’Connell is expected to feature in a big way after playing 13 games this year and establishing himself as a regular in the backline during the latter half of the campaign.

His emergence has been one of the club’s quieter success stories, with his consistency and competitiveness earning him a place among the squad’s dependable options.

O’Connell’s progression has also strengthened the Irish influence at RSEA Park. He will form part of a three-strong Irish contingent in 2027, lining out alongside Kobe McDonald and Eamonn Armstrong.

Liam O'Connell of Cork in action against Enda O'Connor of Kerry in an U20 game in 2022. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile Liam O'Connell of Cork in action against Enda O'Connor of Kerry in an U20 game in 2022. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile For O’Connell, the extension is another vote of confidence in his ability to continue expanding his game.

His journey from Cork underage football to the professional ranks in Australia has been marked by resilience and steady improvement, and his performances this season underline his potential to become a long-term fixture for St Kilda