Irish import Mark O’Connor is feeling right at home in Geelong and has his sights set firmly on making the most of his unique AFL opportunity.

Having drawn the eye of a number of clubs with impressive testing both at home and abroad, the Cats signed the 19-year-old as a category B rookie in October.

Now in Australia and on the eve of his first pre-season of the Australian game, the talented County Kerry product is ready to write his own chapter alongside the likes of Stynes, Kennelly and other Gaelic code switchers.

“I came out and I just really wanted to take my chance and it’s such an opportunity and you can’t let it go because it only comes around once really,” O’Connor told Cats Media.

“It’s the kind of environment over here where it’s just constant improvement and that really appealed to me.”

“We’ll see how it goes and I’ll work hard and I’ll throw myself into it.”

O’Connor has moved in with former Cat and fellow Irishman Padraig Lucey, who is providing tremendous support to his young countryman as he adjusts to life some 17,000 kilometres from home.

But it’s Zach Tuohy who could well be the best sounding board for O’Connor and an AFL career in its infancy – the Cats’ new recruit having already reached out to say he’s here to lend a hand.

“Zach has been in contact and Zach’s been very good to me as well. Having such a big name like that getting in contact with you, it’s very uplifting I think and very nice of him,” O’Connor said.

“It’s lovely to have another Irishman here. It’s just brilliant. They’ve been through it all as well. They can help me through that hopefully.”

As for his position on the field, that much is difficult to pinpoint with a tally of zero games next to his name.

O’Connor proved his endurance by finishing fourth overall in the 3km time trial at the recent AFL Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium, and notes himself as a strong mark overhead – though feels he could be best served sitting behind the ball.

“Reading the game, I like to be behind the play at times and picking out options so we’ll see how it goes,” he said.

“Wherever the coaches deem me useful maybe hopefully I’ll slip right in there.”

O’Connor will experience his first session as a professional AFL footballer when the Cats begin their 2017 pre-season next Monday.

To watch the full interview with Irishman Mark O’Connor, click the video player above.