Geelong defender Mark O'Connor has signed a two-year contract extension with the club, keeping him at Kardinia Park until the end of 2026.
The Irishman joined the Cats in 2016 as a category B rookie, debuting for the club in a Round 8 loss to the Bombers in 2017. O'Connor was a prolific Gaelic footballer, having won two All-Ireland Under-18 medals for Kerry in 2014 and 2015.
Since debuting, O'Connor has played 114 games for the Cats, none more special than the 2022 AFL Grand Final where his side thumped the Swans to claim the premiership.
Alongside teammate Zach Tuohy, the pair became the second and third Irish players to win a flag following Tadhg Kennelly who accomplished the feat in 2005 for the Swans.
The 27-year-old has made moves into the midfield on occasion, showcasing his speed and classiness with the ball in hand. O'Connor has played in over 20 matches for four out of a possible seven seasons, not including 2024.
The Cats will be looking to continue their phenomenal winning streak in 2024 as they take on the resurgent Lions at the Gabba.