AFL: Reigning premiers Geelong sign Irish star for 2023

Geelong’s premiership side boasted two Irishmen and the Cats have now added a third for their shot at back-to-back titles.

Gaelic football star Oisin Mullin will join AFL side Geelong. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images

A strong Irish connection has served Geelong well and it’s about to get stronger with Mayo Gaelic football star Oisin Mullin finally set to join the Cats a year after the club signed him.

Mullin, who elected to stay in Ireland after originally signing with the Cats in 2021, has been approved for a visa and will join the 2022 premiers for the pre-season.

The 22-year-old has been a star for Irish county Mayo, named the Gaelic Athletic Association’s Young Footballer of the Year in 2020 and 2021.

He’s regarded as the best defender in that competition and will make the move to Geelong where he’ll join fellow Irishmen, and premiership players, Zach Tuohy and Mark O’Connor.

International Arrivals 2023 ☘️✈️ Oisin Mullin will re-join the Club for the up-coming season!

Mullins to Join Cats in 2023 📘:https://t.co/gpMRbxXJkl#WeAreGeelongpic.twitter.com/EYNAHEM59o

— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) November 24, 2022

They became the first Irishmen to play in an AFL premiership-winning team since former Swan Tadhg Kennelly managed that feat with Sydney in 2005.

Geelong’s head of list management Andrew Mackie couldn’t be more excited about Mullin’s move.

“As a club, we appreciate the magnitude of moving overseas and understood Oisin’s reasons for remaining in Ireland and not joining us for this season,” Mackie said.

“We are thrilled he will now join the Cats for season 2023. He is a gifted talent however most importantly a quality person who will be a great addition to our playing squad.

“Oisin has had another impressive season with Mayo, and we are looking forward to welcoming him and his partner Jess to the club and to Geelong.”

Despite not travelling to Australia after agreeing to join Geelong, Mullin was never delisted, and Mackie and national recruiting manager Stephen Wells kept in contact with the Irishman throughout the year.

Mullin will be the Cats’ second player to join from Mayo, with AFLW player Rachel Kearns also from the Irish club.

Oisín Mullin has accepted a position to play with the Geelong Cats. We at Mayo G.A.A want to wish Oisín the best in his new endeavor and thank you for all the memories. Oisin debut with Mayo on the 25th January 2020 in the NFL against Donegal. Thank you Oisin#mayogaapic.twitter.com/lqQYnTbKkh

— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) November 24, 2022