Stefan Okunbor 'back in Ireland' after leaving Geelong Cats

[Lolly Valance]

Kerry man Stefan Okunbor has left the Geelong Cats following three years as a rookie and has returned to Ireland.

Kerry's Stefan Okunbor 'back in Ireland' after leaving Geelong Cats



Stefan Okunbor

WED, 29 SEP, 2021 - 08:38
PATRICK MULCAHY
Kerry man Stefan Okunbor has left the Geelong Cats following three years as a rookie and has returned to Ireland.

Okunbor, from Tralee, appeared in 17 VFL contests in his three seasons. A student of the game, Okunbor turned heads in the VFL (developmental league) with his physicality playing predominantly as a defender.

The former Kerry All Ireland minor winner overcame an Achilles injury and limited game time due to the Covid-19 shutdown.

“Stefan showed great desire and commitment to become a better player,” Geelong’s general manager of football Simon Lloyd said.

“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.

“Everyone at the club wishes Stefan well in their future endeavours.”

Fellow Kerry man Mark O’Connor and Laois' Zach Tuohy remain with the Cats for the 2022 season while the Geelong's women's team have signed Mayo's Rachel Kearns ahead of the 2022 AFLW season due to start in January.

[Kerryman Randy Savage]

I hope he is given time to get back up to speed and not thrown back in. We did it wrong with Tommy Walsh and it took longer for him to adjust upon return.

[veteran]

Maybe Jack is a lucky general !

[dc84]

Sept 29, 2021 8:51:03 GMT Kerryman Randy Savage said:

I hope he is given time to get back up to speed and not thrown back in. We did it wrong with Tommy Walsh and it took longer for him to adjust upon return.

Tommy was a lot different in fairness a lot longer gone and after suffering a terrible injury which severely impacted his mobility.

I'd get him straight back in personally and see if he is up to it. He is Excatly the type of player we need athletic strong. Welcome home Stefan !!!

[Mickmack]

My view on the aussie rules thing is that if young lads make an informed decision to go, its their choice and thats fine.

The key word is informed though and i think the GAA should set up some sort of peer group composed of 'returnees from aussie rules' to explain to young lads just how few make it, the significant risk of injury, the fact that you miss out on college with your age group here and the likelihood that your development as a GAA player will be stymied.


If they still want to go after that, fine.

[Jo90]

The 3 years from u20 to Senior are possibly the 3 biggest years of development for a Gaelic Footballer and Stefan has missed those 3 years, so I don't expect much impact at intercounty level from him until about 2023 or 2024, but no harm in bringing him into the panel with a view to the future.

[onlykerry]

A young man who was making progress with football before he went to Oz - at minor level he was not a regular starter, by U20 he was starring at full back - hopefully his adventure in Oz over the last 3 years has stood him in good stead. He needs to show this with Na Gael and St Brendan's and earn a shot at the county panel (if he is so inclined). Athletically I believe he fits the mould of what Kerry are looking for but he needs to earn his spurs.

Tommy Walsh had won a senior AI before he went to Oz and mistakes were made when he came home in not giving him time to play with his club before throwing him into the senior county setup - hopefully the lessons were learned and Stefan will be given time and space.

[crokes86]

Maybe we could make a center back out of him
We need size strength and speed stop the runs in the middle of our defense

[dc84]

Sept 29, 2021 10:02:35 GMT Jo90 said:

The 3 years from u20 to Senior are possibly the 3 biggest years of development for a Gaelic Footballer and Stefan has missed those 3 years, so I don't expect much impact at intercounty level from him until about 2023 or 2024, but no harm in bringing him into the panel with a view to the future.

He wasn't Excatly sitting on his arse getting fat either. Those years of development are usually about getting up to the speed of the game At senior and physical development so doubt there would be an issue there.

Obviously he will need time to re adjust to Gaelic football but I hope he is brought into the squad and if he is ready a few league games.

The likes of McKenna seems to have settled back on ok

[southward]

Sept 29, 2021 10:09:51 GMT onlykerry said:

A young man who was making progress with football before he went to Oz - at minor level he was not a regular starter, by U20 he was starring at full back - hopefully his adventure in Oz over the last 3 years has stood him in good stead. He needs to show this with Na Gael and St Brendan's and earn a shot at the county panel (if he is so inclined). Athletically I believe he fits the mould of what Kerry are looking for but he needs to earn his spurs.

Tommy Walsh had won a senior AI before he went to Oz and mistakes were made when he came home in not giving him time to play with his club before throwing him into the senior county setup - hopefully the lessons were learned and Stefan will be given time and space.

"If he is so inclined" is right. Should we be assuming he wants to play for Kerry, or indeed to play at all? Will he be physically up to it in any case? - it seems his time in Oz was blighted by injury. Hopefully it's not another case of the Aussies sending us back our man crocked.

I suppose we'll see anyway but I wouldn't be pencilling him in for anything just yet.

[john4]

Presumably he'll make the St. Brendan's team for the upcoming county championship. Hopefully he'll have a good showing and if he does I'm sure he could be brought into the Kerry senior football panel.

I'd hope and expect that every player on the Kerry panel will be there on merit, and not just because they've returned from abroad.

[Ballyfireside]

Tadhgeen alternating within a year was probably the quickest and did he perform again after returning down under?

Still the timeout can never be made up for - remember the 10,00 hours it takes reach the top of your career, the quality of the hours downunder from a Gaelic football perspective would vary - S&C might be ok but the different code could have negative aspects.

Who can recall Tadhgeen's first big kick that day in Belaghy v Derry, as conveyed by that legendary poet- Stefan better take a read!
Trojan Prodigal returns,
but my oh my he’s kicking crazy.
On our little island,
he’ll have to go a little aisy.
Instep instead of inside,
thinking it's oval when it's round.
Rocket launches of Heavenly high,
the ball cannot be found.

Frontline reinforcements enter Bellaghy,
re-jig still in progress.
The Munster in him breaks out,
and he Garryowens his first.
Making up for missing years.
and what went on at Croker and The Cross'.
A raging bull scent of old enemy blood,
he cannoned ball to take the enemy down.

[Attacking Wing Back]

I think people might be getting a bit ahead.of themselves here. He was an average footballer before he left but, a supreme athlete. It's going to take a lot to get him up to the inter county senior level.

Let him play away with the club and if he is good enough bring him in. No point hot housing him in Currans. Let him play away with the club. He might not even want to play football. A few people I have spoke to today have said he had a serious enough injury over there at one stage

[sullyschoice]

Sept 29, 2021 15:30:41 GMT Attacking Wing Back said:

I think people might be getting a bit ahead.of themselves here. He was an average footballer before he left but, a supreme athlete. It's going to take a lot to get him up to the inter county senior level.

Let him play away with the club and if he is good enough bring him in. No point hot housing him in Currans. Let him play away with the club. He might not even want to play football. A few people I have spoke to today have said he had a serious enough injury over there at one stage

I was never too impressed with his footballing skills but his power and strength was never in question. Didnt do Michael Darragh Mc Cauley any harm.

[sullyschoice]

Sept 29, 2021 14:04:58 GMT Ballyfireside said:

Tadhgeen alternating within a year was probably the quickest and did he perform again after returning down under?

Still the timeout can never be made up for - remember the 10,00 hours it takes reach the top of your career, the quality of the hours downunder from a Gaelic football perspective would vary - S&C might be ok but the different code could have negative aspects.

Who can recall Tadhgeen's first big kick that day in Belaghy v Derry, as conveyed by that legendary poet- Stefan better take a read!
Trojan Prodigal returns,
but my oh my he’s kicking crazy.
On our little island,
he’ll have to go a little aisy.
Instep instead of inside,
thinking it's oval when it's round.
Rocket launches of Heavenly high,
the ball cannot be found.

Frontline reinforcements enter Bellaghy,
re-jig still in progress.
The Munster in him breaks out,
and he Garryowens his first.
Making up for missing years.
and what went on at Croker and The Cross'.
A raging bull scent of old enemy blood,
he cannoned ball to take the enemy down.

I remember it well. Standing there frozen thinking WTF

[Whosinmidfield]

I definitely think he has something to offer. It’s about finding a role for him that gets the most out of his attributes. I’m looking forward to seeing how he fares with Na Gaeil and Brendans. Very positive news.

[givehimaball]

His time in OZ wasn't blighted by injury. He had one serious injury (an Achilles injury) while in OZ and he recovered from that very well. The link below has the manager saying "He's healed like the Terminator" . Physically he will be absolutely fine.

www.geelongcats.com.au/video/784927/injury-update-okunbor?videoId=784927&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1596009652001

Some highlights from a game in May.

www.geelongcats.com.au/video/940663/okunbor-tackles-lions?videoId=940663&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1621571166001

In terms of Tommy Walsh's return, the feeling I got when he came back was that he was a bit burned out - in large part due his injury. I think he felt obligated to go back playing for Kerry straight away when he didn't really have the hunger for it. Hopeful Stefan doesn't feel obligated like this. It might be that he will just want to play club football or even not play at all. However I would be surprised if he isn't interested in having a go at trying to make the Kerry team.

If he does have the desire to play for Kerry, I would imagine the big question will be what state his Gaelic football specific skills are in, especially his kicking. One of the issues I think the Irish players have when they go down under is the switch to the oval ball and having to change their kicking style. I think it's one of the big factors in terms of whether they make it there and from what I've read/seen I don't think he ever got a solid handle on the oval ball.

Given the amount of hand-passing in Aussie Rules I would expect his handling skills to be very solid. Before he went it was his physical prowess that was the real eye catcher and was a big part of why he won the Munster U20 player of the year - his performance in the Munster Final against Cork was a real monster of a performance. It will be interesting to see what sort of state his various skills are in having trained professionally for the last three years albeit in a different but similar code.

Personally I'd be of the opinion that he would be more suited to the full-back line as opposed to centre-back, at least initially as he gets used to things again. Positioning/where (and when) to go on the pitch/reading the game are much more important for a centre-back as opposed to a full-back whose job is far more focused on stopping goals/marking an opposing forward and that's not just something you can pick up in an instant having not played for three years. Also I think kicking skills aren't as vital for a full-back compared to a centre-back so if I were managing Na Gael that's where I'd be starting him initially - down the line there would always be the possibility of moving him out the field depending on how things developed.

[southward]

Sept 29, 2021 16:36:06 GMT givehimaball said:

His time in OZ wasn't blighted by injury. He had one serious injury (an Achilles injury) while in OZ and he recovered from that very well. The link below has the manager saying "He's healed like the Terminator" . Physically he will be absolutely fine.

www.geelongcats.com.au/video/784927/injury-update-okunbor?videoId=784927&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1596009652001

Some highlights from a game in May.

www.geelongcats.com.au/video/940663/okunbor-tackles-lions?videoId=940663&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1621571166001

In terms of Tommy Walsh's return, the feeling I got when he came back was that he was a bit burned out - in large part due his injury. I think he felt obligated to go back playing for Kerry straight away when he didn't really have the hunger for it. Hopeful Stefan doesn't feel obligated like this. It might be that he will just want to play club football or even not play at all. However I would be surprised if he isn't interested in having a go at trying to make the Kerry team.

If he does have the desire to play for Kerry, I would imagine the big question will be what state his Gaelic football specific skills are in, especially his kicking. One of the issues I think the Irish players have when they go down under is the switch to the oval ball and having to change their kicking style. I think it's one of the big factors in terms of whether they make it there and from what I've read/seen I don't think he ever got a solid handle on the oval ball.

Given the amount of hand-passing in Aussie Rules I would expect his handling skills to be very solid. Before he went it was his physical prowess that was the real eye catcher and was a big part of why he won the Munster U20 player of the year - his performance in the Munster Final against Cork was a real monster of a performance. It will be interesting to see what sort of state his various skills are in having trained professionally for the last three years albeit in a different but similar code.

Personally I'd be of the opinion that he would be more suited to the full-back line as opposed to centre-back, at least initially as he gets used to things again. Positioning/where (and when) to go on the pitch/reading the game are much more important for a centre-back as opposed to a full-back whose job is far more focused on stopping goals/marking an opposing forward and that's not just something you can pick up in an instant having not played for three years. Also I think kicking skills aren't as vital for a full-back compared to a centre-back so if I were managing Na Gael that's where I'd be starting him initially - down the line there would always be the possibility of moving him out the field depending on how things developed.

Yeah, I've watched him play at midfield for St Brendan's and he was all at sea. Much more comfortable at full back as in that U21 Munster Final when he was superb.

Not sure his kicking skills would be too much of an issue - kicking never seemed to be his game anyway. Win the ball and lay it off a-la-Seamus Moynihan.

[veteran]

I remember being hugely impressed by his athleticism at fullback in that u20/21 game against Cork . His opponent that night arrived with a huge reputation. The direct opponent was Mark Keane. Yes, that Mark Keane,

Seemingly, an Achilles tendon injury can be very serious . I hope his recovery is complete. If it is , there is no doubt Jack will be on the phone . I will be surprised if Stefan does not respond positively. After that nobody knows how it will play out.

[Whosinmidfield]

From comments I’ve read, they were very impressed with him over in Australia and many expected him to break into the first team. He impressed in the games he played in the reserve league. Obviously physically he’s unbelievable. Zach Tuohy said this week Stefan Okunbor is “as unique an athlete as I’ve ever played with.” Centre back is a very technical position that has a lot to do with positional sense so not sure if he’ll be capable of filling that position. Full back is most likely to be his best position although Foley was doing very well there this year but he’s comfortable in the corner too. That’s where Jack had him playing at u20. County Championship will tell a lot.

[royalkerryfan]

It's great to have Stefan back in Kerry with 3 years of professional S&C should really stand to him.

It's clear we need a FB or CHB would he may just give Kerry that physicality at the back that we badly need.

Stefan has to do it for the club first.
I think it sends out the wrong message if you can just walk onto a panel.

Earn your place first and take it from there.

[kerryeastcoastusa]

Seemed to have recovered quite well from the bad injury he received early in his time in AFL - I certainly think with a good 6 months of getting reacquainted with the game he would be a big asset to the Kerry defense. Full back line rather than half back I would think. He made huge improvements between minor and u20 in terms of core skills and game awareness so it will be interesting to see how long it would take to get back to that level. As mentioned by other here being a defender rather than an attacker should help as that kicking style seems to be drilled into you in AFL and hard to shake. Hopefully things work out for him and he becomes a future Kerry stalwart in defense.

[horsebox77]

The returning of the young Na Gaeil man is a huge bonus for gaa in Kerry, starting with his club Na Gaeil, they are currently benefiting from the introduction of a strategic underage structure about ten years ago and all efforts are now coming to fruition. The returning Stefan will really bolster the Tralee club’s spine along with the Barry brothers and Diarmuid. They will have a serious middle diamond now giving them a right chance of a crack at the intermediate.

If Stefan does have any personal ambitions of returning to the county scene, he has first to return to club action and injury/fitness permitting line out with the divisional set up with St Brendans, the divisional set up were well drilled under Seamus Murphy, although he has passed the baton, he leaves a good foundation for this year, a fit and eager to prove Stefan could be a vital cog to a team that has been unlucky the last few years.

If he can get his place and put himself in the shop window against Kenmare, a good performance could go a long way.

One would just hope that the lessons learned by the people before him like Tadgh and Tommy will benefit his progress.

Jack was in charge when Tadgh returned in 2009 so has been down this road before.

[Ballyfireside]

JOC is nothing if he isn't a purist ala bata agus bóthar so Stefan has every chance.

I recall him lording it as a Seamus Moynihan like FB, in ASP v Cork?

If like Tyrone lads Stefan wouldn't have such silky skills then I'd have no worries - it's a simple enough game once you have the power to cover, win ball and lay it off.

Ballythefireside Quote of The Day - No good having silky skills if your opponent has the ball

P.S. Anyone see a photo of Stefan pls post it on here - this process is now dead simple, almost automatic, just paste web address in Url in Link box (I think) and job done, even works for Youtube clip.

[Mickmack]

Sept 29, 2021 17:00:49 GMT veteran said:

I remember being hugely impressed by his athleticism at fullback in that u20/21 game against Cork . His opponent that night arrived with a huge reputation. The direct opponent was Mark Keane. Yes, that Mark Keane,

Seemingly, an Achilles tendon injury can be very serious . I hope his recovery is complete. If it is , there is no doubt Jack will be on the phone . I will be surprised if Stefan does not respond positively. After that nobody knows how it will play out.

[Mickmack]

The semi final v Kildare in 2018 was one of those bizarre games that Kerry come up with at under 20/21.

Of course Jack didnt go with either keeper that had won minor All Irelands...Courtney or Uosis.

Kerrys kickout strategy was simply to give it to Kildare who promptly turned it into a score.

Stefan Okunbor was left isolated at fullback with a half acre of space in front of him.

It was bizarre.



Hopefully Jack will have learned from that experience.

[brigid]

I'm sure that the present Kerry backs and subs will not be too pleased that some are not considered good enough. Not good for their confidence.

[john4]

Sept 30, 2021 11:55:56 GMT brigid said:

I'm sure that the present Kerry backs and subs will not be too pleased that some are not considered good enough. Not good for their confidence.

Senior football Brigid. Everyone is replaceable by someone better. No-one is owed a Kerry jersey.

[thehermit]

Well having Stefan back can't hurt though I hope he is given the time to re-adjust, I felt in Tommy's case he was thrown back into inter-county without much thought and hence why he struggled.

With a new management team we are sure to see a bit of a shakeup of the squad - Jack made a name for always unearthing new players of bringing back some who had left the fold.

I know the regular posters on here know the club side of things in and out so I'd be interested to hear how you might think could be in prime position to be brought into the Kerry panel for 2022.

Personally I hope Paul O'Shea gets a bit of League time, likewise David Shaw and Brosnan.

Barry O'Mahony is the closest ourselves in Kilflynn might get to having a Kerry senior player in the big ball so I'm curious to see if Jack might bring him in. Keane did not have much interest.