Social media reacts to 'really promising' Mayo GAA talent Kobe McDonald after AFL move

It has been confirmed that Crossmolina Deel Rovers GAA sensation Kobe McDonald will move to Australia to play in the AFL.

McDonald has joined St Kilda Football Club as a Category B rookie.

Gaelic prodigy Kobe McDonald has joined the Saints as a Category B rookie from County Mayo 🍀🇮🇪

Welcome to the red, white and black, Kobe! pic.twitter.com/V3Xg9hEJRN

— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) November 3, 2025

Kobe, who is the son of Mayo GAA legend Ciaran McDonald, lit up the Mayo senior football championship this year with outstanding performances.

He was also part of the Mayo minor side that won the Connacht title last year, with his father a part of the backroom team.

It would not be the first time a talented footballer has departed the county to play Australian football. Pearse Hanley enjoyed a stellar career with Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast, while two-time Young Footballer of the Year Oisín Mullin starred for Geelong in the AFL Grand Final earlier this year.

Social media has reacted to the move, and the St Kilda fanbase are reacting positively to the news.

This is St Kilda signing Kobe McDonald from two years ago. Serious pace to burn.
And this year he has stepped up to senior level and impressed in the Mayo Senior Championship. https://t.co/UKcTFVhVXa pic.twitter.com/I86sCMCavo

— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) November 3, 2025

One Australian social user said, "Saints signing Irish lad Kobe McDonald, who looks to be a precocious talent (just 17 years of age). Our third Irish recruit, along with Eamonn Armstrong and Liam O’Connell. Both need time, but look promising. If we are able to maximise their development, then it’s really exciting."

While another person said, "He looks really promising. Leaving no stone unturned. I like it."

McDonald will move to the AFL after completing his Leaving Cert next year.