Jack O’Connor has been handed a huge boost with the news that underage star Stefan Okunbor has returned from a three-year stint in the AFL.
BY SHANE STAPLETON
Jack O’Connor has been handed a huge boost with the news that underage star Stefan Okunbor has returned from a three-year stint in the AFL.
The Na Gaeil GAA clubman is back in Ireland after Aussie Rules club Geelong announced his departure via their official website.
Okunbor won an All-Ireland minor medal in 2016 in Croke Park when he came on as a late substitute in the win over Galway, and claimed the award for the best Under-20 footballer in Munster in 2018 under O’Connor.
The 23-year-old was seen as a huge loss to the Kingdom, particularly with Mark O’Connor also being recruited by the AFL.
Okunbor had regularly lined out at midfield with Na Gaeil but also developed as a promising full-back with the Kerry Under-20s under the watchful gaze of O’Connor.
Geelong released a statement: “Category B rookie Stefan Okunbor has returned to Ireland following three years with the club.
“Okunbor, from Tralee in county Kerry, appeared in 17 VFL contests in his three seasons.
“Playing mainly as a defender and run with player, Okunbor overcame an achilles injury and limited game time due to the covid shutdown.”
Geelong’s general manager of football Simon Lloyd added: “Stefan showed great desire and commitment to become a better player.
“He was limited by injury and the lack of games through the shutdown. He is now back in Ireland and we hope he can enjoy a successful Gaelic football career.”
