It is safe to say that it has been a busy off-season for Mark O'Connor.   

The first thing on his agenda was a big pre-season with the Cats, overcoming an injury that cut his 2024 season short and building towards an exciting campaign this year. 

Off the field he completed a university degree and if that was not enough, O'Connor squeezed in a trip home to Ireland during the break. 

O'Connor said it was exactly what he needed, heading home and getting refreshed for the 2025 season. 

"I love it, it always refreshes me and I always look forward to going home," O'Connor told Cats Media. 

"I love the people back there and the place as well, every time the club gives me the opportunity to head back I always take it and I am always grateful for it.

"I feel fresher now, it is great and puts a bit of life in me which gets me ready for the season. 

"I had a couple of surgeries, one of them was pretty slow which was to be expected but I am feeling really good now and I am ready to go."

Geelong fans will get plenty of opportunities to see their team in action at GMHBA Stadium this year, starting with next Monday's match simulation against Hawthorn. 

The following week will see Essendon visit for an AAMI Community Series practice match, with 10 regular season games also scheduled in 2025. 

GMHBA Stadium has been a fortress for Geelong, winning 119 of their last 140 matches at the venue and holding an 85% win rate since the start of 2007. 

O'Connor contributes plenty of that success to the support of the Geelong faithful, encouraging fans to pack the stadium once again in 2025. 

"Our record has been pretty good down here over the last few years," O'Connor said. 

"Obviously the fans and the atmosphere down here has a lot to do with that, so of course it is seriously important.

"The players love it, the club loves it and hopefully we can provide the fans with a style of play that will attract or is worthy of their time at least.

"We love it and hopefully we can go again in 2025."