St Kilda Football Club is pleased to welcome Kobe McDonald to its list as a Category B Rookie.
St Kilda Football Club is pleased to welcome Kobe McDonald to its list as a Category B Rookie.
The 17-year-old joins the Saints from the Crossmolina Deel Rovers in County Mayo, Ireland, where he has already shown impressive skill and potential in Gaelic football.
Kobe’s father, Ciaran, is regarded as one of the most talented and popular players of his generation. Like his father, Kobe is an exciting attacking prospect with natural flair and composure.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Kobe and the McDonald family to St Kilda,” CEO Carl Dilena said.
“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.”
McDonald has already attracted attention back home, with Ireland’s Western People newspaper describing him as a young athlete ready to rise “from prospect to protagonist”.
He will relocate to Australia to join his new teammates once he completes his final year of school in mid-2026.