Cats’ shock call-up for ‘Irish Nick Dycos’, in-demand blue back

Geelong has dropped a selection bombshell for their clash with the GWS, naming Irishman Oisin Mullin for his AFL debut.

The 23-year-old Mullin, who joined the Cats as a Category B rookie ahead of the 2022 season, has played just three VFL matches since switching from Gaelic football, but the reigning premiers were on the losing side after two matches. Changes made have seen them lose touch with the top four with established pair Sam de Koning and Ollie Henry being named a County Mayo product.

but talking to fox footies afl 360 plusFellow Irish Cat Zach Tuohy has said his compatriot is more than ready for the highest level.

“He is a well established, top, top player in Ireland. This is not just a young prospect that has been brought to the fore. This is a guy who was regarded as one of the best footballers in Ireland when he left Was,” Tuhi said.

Tuohy, who is within reach of Jim Stynes’ AFL record for most games by an Irishman, said in an interview with AFL Media in March that Mullin had an excellent start to his Gaelic football career before opting for Australian rules. Would be like ‘getting out Nick Dikos’. AFL’s.

Oisin Mullin calls his brother to tell him he is making his senior debut for the Geelong Cats this weekend.

But her brother was in deep sleep and he reacted as if someone was woken up by a phone-call????pic.twitter.com/muiH1b5Jg9

— Ga Joy (@GAA__JOE) May 25, 2023

Tuohy said at the time, “I’m not sure people realize what a big deal Oisin is in Ireland.”

“He is about the best young footballer in Ireland. If not the best, then certainly one of the best.”

Mullin won the coveted 2020 GAA Young Footballer of the Year award before crossing the codes, joining fellow Irish players Zach Tuohy and Mark O’Connor in the Cats squad for his first AFL game.

“He’s extremely explosive,” O’Connor told SEN Radio.

“He played at fullback back home and may have picked up some gun forward, but his pace is probably the main attraction.

“He can challenge anyone here in terms of pace, so it’s very exciting.

“Hopefully he can add attacking and running half to his game.”

Elsewhere, Tom de Koning has been recalled by the Blues for his first senior appearance since round five amid intense speculation over the future of the unsigned ruckman.

He will join forces with Mark Pitonet against Sydney at the SCG on Friday night, with Tom Hickey making a timely return to bolster the injured Swans’ ruck division in the absence of Peter Ledhams (ankle).

Jack Silvagni, Lewis Young and Ed Curno have been dropped from Carlton’s starting 22 after last week’s loss to Collingwood but are possible substitutes after being named as emergencies.

GWS have lost key trio Josh Kelly, Nick Haynes and Harry Himmelberg to injuries for their tough trip to face Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

Callum Brown, Lachie Keefe and Daniel Lloyd returned to play in captain Toby Green’s 200th game.

Essendon trio Jayden Laverde, Matt Guelfi and Dylan Shiel have overcome injuries and will return for Saturday night’s clash with West Coast, whose line-up will feature star utility Elliot Yeo for just the third time this season.

Key guard Tom Barrass and former captain Shannon Hearn are also back for the injured Eagles after missing out on last week’s 116-point thrashing of Hawthorn.

Melbourne have recalled Tom Sparrow and James Harms in place of Clayton Oliver (hamstring) and Lachie Hunter (suspended) for Saturday’s clash with Fremantle at the MCG.

The Dockers have lost experienced forward Michael Walters to a calf injury and have picked up potential debutant Carl Warner in their traveling party.

St Kilda named Tim Membray as an emergency for Saturday’s game against Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium but the veteran forward must pass a final test if he is to be given the green light to return from injury.

Membrey could replace fellow forward Mitch Owens (concussion), while Hawks is unchanged.

Gold Coast has dropped veteran midfielder Brandon Ellis, recalled Joel Jeffries and Ben Long for Saturday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs will be without flamboyant defender Jason Johansson (hamstring), with Lachlan McNeill promoted from substitute to the starting 22.

North Melbourne has left troubled utility Taryn Thomas in the VFL for at least another week, having flagged his potential AFL return in recent days.

Cam Jurhar will return from a cheekbone injury for the Kangaroos against Collingwood on Sunday.

Port Adelaide will again be without key forwards Todd Marshall and Charlie Dixon as well as suspended captain Tom Jonas for Sunday’s clash with Richmond.