Oisin Mullin (Source: Independent.ie)

Irish Geelong recruit Oisín Mullin has backflipped on his decision to venture to Australia and link up with the Cats for the 2022 season.

The Gaelic star signed with Geelong in November as a Category B Rookie and was set to join his fellow countrymen in Zach Tuohy and Mark O'Connor at Kardinia Park.

The 21-year-old has now opted to remain with GAA club Mayo for the year after further thought on the international venture.

“Going to Australia to play professionally was a really interesting opportunity and it was something I wanted to research and consider in detail,” Mullin said via a club statement.

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“It was a big decision for me as playing for Mayo with my friends is a huge honour and something I love doing, so I wanted to take the time to consider all aspects of it.

“After some careful thinking and a lot of support from family, I have decided to stay in Ireland and I am really excited about joining up with the Mayo senior football panel as soon as possible.

“I am grateful to everyone who helped me during the process. I especially want to send my appreciation to everyone at Geelong Football Club. I want to thank them for their understanding and wish them every success for the future.”

Mullin, a two-time Young Footballer of the Year, was touted as one of the most exciting prospects to trade Gaelic football for the AFL.

“Moving to a new country to take up a new game is a significant decision, and we respect the fact that Oisin has decided to remain at home,” Geelong list manager Andrew Mackie said.

“We have enjoyed getting to know Oisin through this process and wish him well with Mayo as they seek an All-Ireland title. We hope he can achieve his goals both on and off the field.”

The pacey utility now joins fellow Irishman and former Magpie Mark Keane in deciding to remain in his home nation for the foreseeable future.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: Mark Keane of the Magpies in action during the round nine AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium on August 02, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Collingwood revealed on Friday that Keane has decided to remain in Ireland for 2022 after returning home during the off-season.

The Magpies also lost young Irishman Anton Tohill, who decided not to continue his stay at the Holden Centre past the 2021 season.