Geelong could be about to add a third Irish recruit to their roster, with reports the reigning premiers’ sights are set on a Gaelic star who turned the club down 12 months ago.
Oisin Mullin was set to join the Cats as a rookie for the 2022 season, after signing a two-year deal in November 2021.
But a late charge of heart saw the 22-year-old remain in Ireland and commit to playing for Mayo this year.
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Now there’s reports Mullin is keen to take up the Cats’ offer for next season.
“It is understood the two-time Young Footballer of the Year stayed in contact with the current AFL champions throughout the year and the Cats have re-tabled their offer,” the Irish Examiner reports.
“The 22-year-old is set to commit as a category B rookie.”
The Cats already have Irish duo Zach Tuohy and Mark O’Connor on their list, with both playing in their 2022 premiership victory.
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Tuohy has previously spoken on Mullin’s skills, believing the young Irishman has what it takes to make it in the AFL.
But he stressed it wasn’t easy making the transition and moving to Australia.
“I was desperate to come [to Australia] early days, but I came out in 2008 for a couple of weeks on a trial and I absolutely hated it. I hated it,” Tuohy said on the Smaller Fish GAA podcast last year.
“I was really shook at the time because up to that point I was adamant that I was going to come out and play. So I kind of made myself go back even though I had doubts at that stage and it worked out fine.
“So I think there’s the potential to have doubts and get past them. I think maybe, I won’t speak for him, but Mark O’Connor was a bit unsure at stages as well and he loves it out here now and he’s an established AFL player.”
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THIRD TIME SET TO BE THE CHARM FOR DELISTED ROO
Jed Anderson appears set to earn a second AFL lifeline as the Gold Coast loom as his third club.
Foxfooty.com.au reported earlier this month the former Hawk and Roo, who was was cut from North Melbourne’s list last month, was on the Suns’ radar.
The Herald Sun reports Gold Coast are “looking to add a few mature-aged additions” to their list as they search for their inaugural finals appearance and are closing in on his signature.
“While it is understood there are still some things to work through before Anderson is guaranteed to join the Suns, it remains a likely option at this stage,” the report read.
It’s been a rocky 12 months for Anderson after fears he could have missed the 2022 season over his Covid vaccine stance.
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Anderson suffered an adverse reaction to his first jab and didn’t get the second in time for the pre-season.
He eventually complied with the AFL’s protocols, but didn’t manage a senior game until Round 8 due to his delayed start.
Anderson, who is back in the Northern Territory and training with his former club, remains stranded on 99 AFL games.
The second delisted free agency period is currently open and runs until Tuesday.
Any players not added to a club’s list can then nominate for the national or pre-season/rookie drafts.
