St Kilda sign Irish teenager Kobe McDonald after blockbuster trade period, Brisbane snare Ben Murphy

St Kilda have continued their off-season recruiting spree, signing impressive Irish teenager Kobe McDonald from Gaelic football as a Category B rookie.

The Saints lured rival AFL players Sam Flanders, Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni and Liam Ryan during a hectic trade and free agency period, and have now gone international for their next prospect.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Irish star joins Lions’ premiership push.

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McDonald is still only 17 and will not join the Saints until he has completed school in mid-2026.

“St Kilda has signed 17-year-old Irish prodigy Kobe McDonald as a Category B rookie,” 7NEWS Melbourne’s Mitch Cleary said.

“The son of Gaelic legend Ciaran McDonald who famously starred v Australia in International Rules.”

St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena said it’s an exciting signing for the club.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kobe and the McDonald family to St Kilda,” he told the club’s website.

“Kobe’s natural abilities have been evident for some time, and his experience playing Gaelic football will provide a great foundation for his transition to AFL.

“We’ve seen the impact Irish players can make in our game, and we’re looking forward to supporting Kobe as he begins his journey with the club.”

Kobe McDonald joins the Saints. Credit: St Kilda

McDonald joins sought-after Irish prospect Ben Murphy in the AFL ranks after the 18-year-old was snared by two-time reigning premiers Brisbane.

Murphy was first identified by the Lions almost two years ago.

“I am really excited to get the chance to join the Brisbane Lions and play AFL,” Murphy said.

“I think anyone joining a team in the position the Lions are in, as back-to-back premiers, would be delighted and I am no different.”

Murphy will play alongside Darragh Joyce and Conor McKenna as Irishmen on the Lions’ AFL list, while the club’s women’s team already boasts three Irish players in Orla O’Dwyer, Neasa Dooley and Jen Dunne.

Just last week, Murphy lined up on Geelong’s Mark O’Connor, who played in a Gaelic final between Austin Stacks and Dingle back in Ireland.

Seeing players like O’Connor, as well as several others in the AFL, make the move across the planet has inspired Murphy to follow in their footsteps.

Ben Murphy has joined the Lions. Credit: Brisbane Lions

“AFL is similar enough to Gaelic, though I expect to face a few obstacles like getting used to a totally new ball, but I’m excited to face the challenge,” Murphy said.

“There have been a number of players make the switch like Conor (McKenna) and Darragh (Joyce) already at the club.

“But there are also a few other players that I aspire to be like back in Kerry like Mark O’Connor, Cillian Burke (Geelong) and I went to school with Rob Monahan (Carlton) as well.

“Seeing a person so close to you being successful really gives you the confidence that you can be too if you put your mind to it.

“I also hope to inspire other young players by showing them if you keep working hard you will get your opportunities too.”

Lions recruiter Shane Rogers played a key role in luring Murphy to Australia.

“He’s really an elite player for his age group, so he’s probably in the top two or three over in Ireland,” Rogers told 7NEWS.

“Being tall, I think he can play half-back, wing, go through the midfield at some stage.”

Speaking to the Lions’ website, Rogers outlined the club’s early plans for Murphy.

“He has been a midfielder in Gaelic, though with his size and athletic profile it should allow him to play multiple roles at AFL level,” he said.

“He will start as a defender initially whilst he learns the game but has scope to develop craft across a number of lines and the ability to play wing long term.

“We look forward to having Ben arrive for preseason training next month and also welcome the Murphy family of Benny, Claire, Jack and Harry to the Lions.”