Kobe McDonald says the chance to become a professional athlete was too good to turn down.
In his first interview with St Kilda’s in-house YouTube channel, the Mayo man says the offer of a Category B Rookie contract provided him with the opportunity to pursue a career as a full-time athlete.
“I’ve always dreamed of being a professional athlete,” says the 18-year-old.
“So, when St Kilda gave me the opportunity, I could never say no, never turn it down. Test my skills, test new things and meet new people, it’s very exciting.”
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McDonald’s parents have travelled to Australia to help him settle in Down Under.
“It’s a lot easier when they’re here,” he adds. “It was hard saying goodbye as it is, 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 are going home to them and not home to people you don’t know.”
It has been a remarkable few weeks since he helped Mayo win Sam Maguire for the first time since 1951.
“It’s been a whirlwind, I suppose. It’s been a long time at home, 75 years since we won it. Always dreamed of winning the it and it’s extra special to win it alongside my brother. On the day, I was very emotional, very overwhelmed and probably never cried as much in all my life.”
