'I never cried as much in my life' says Kobe McDonald in first St Kilda interview
The Crossmolina man helped Mayo win their first All-Ireland title in 75 years and is now starting his new adventure with AFL side St Kilda in Melbourne.
“It’s very exciting, it's been a long time coming but yeah, happy to be here,” McDonald said, as he was introduced in a first interview with his new club, St Kilda, which was published on the club’s social media channels.
”The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. It's been a long time, 75 years since we won it. Always dreamed of winning it with Mayo and it's extra special to win it alongside my brother [Jordan Flynn]. On the day I was very emotional, very overwhelmed, probably never cried as much in all my life. But nice one to get, thank God.”
Asked on his motivation on why he pursued a switch to the AFL, McDonald said: “ I've always dreamed of being a professional athlete so when St Kilda gave me the opportunity I could never say no, never turn it down. Test my skills, test my new things and meet new people, it's very exciting.”
McDonald also spoke about how he got into touch with Australian football. He mentioned fellow Mayo man Oisín Mullin as an inspiration.
”That was the first thing I got with AFL. I've watched it since then because it's very entertaining and involved in the club. “
He acknowledged the importance of his parents coming over with him.
“It was hard saying goodbye as it is so it would have been a lot harder if I was saying goodbye to both of them. It makes it very easy to settle in when you go home to them and not home to people you don't know.”
“It's been brilliant, everyone's been so welcoming, it makes it a lot easier. Of course there's a bit of nerves coming in first, I don't know many people but they've made it so easy.
Looking forward to making my first VFL debut I suppose and hopefully in the near time future play for the AFL side too.”