Geelong defender Mark O'Connor is set to begin his pre-season at the Cattery later than his fellow teammates, with the club allowing the Irishman to begin his preparations for the 2026 season after January 18.
According to 7 News' Mitch Cleary, the Cats have "granted" O'Connor a further two weeks off to allow him to compete for his hometown Gaelic football club, Dingle, as the team prepares to compete in the All-Ireland Club Championship final, seeking their first ever national title.
The news comes three days after Dingle defeated Ballyboden by two points in the semi-final in what has been touted as one of the greatest GAA club matches ever played.
O'Connor also helped the County Kerry-based club win their first provincial title in December, but will now aim to help Dingle achieve the ultimate glory.
The Irish utility was elite in his sporadic tagging duties in 2025 for the Cats, notably clamping up star attacking midfielder Isaac Heeney in Round 23. Heeney managed just 15 disposals at the SCG, his lowest tally of the 2025 season, with only eight being effective.
O'Connor, who is one of just four Irish players to win an AFL premiership, will look to bring that same intensity into 2026.
