Kerry’s Cillian Burke Kicks Peach Of A Goal As VFL Journey Finally Begins

After months of rehab and recovery, Kerryman Cillian Burke finally got his Australian Rules career underway, making an instant impact.

The Milltown/Castlemaine man, who has been managing an injury to his left knee since arriving Down Under, kicked his first goal for Geelong in their VFL victory over Gold Coast at GMHBA Stadium. Lining out at half-back, a very common starting role for newcomers to the sport. Burke’s six-pointer was an impressive left-footed strike from a tight angle, showcasing his skill and adaptability.

The reaction of his teammates showed they were clearly thrilled for Burke, who has battled injury since arriving in Australia.

Burke’s debut comes after a lengthy lay-off, having not played competitively for close to ten months. Speaking to Geelong’s in-house media, the former Kerry senior footballer reflected on the emotion of the occasion.

I was delighted to get out there. It’s been a while since I’ve played anything really. I was nervous really, anxious to get out there of course and a bit of nervous energy. The lads helped me a lot and everyone in the club really just made it easy to go out there. They put no pressure on you and just tell you to express yourself which is good.

On the goal itself, Burke revealed that practice had made perfect.

I’m naturally right-legged so a lot of people have been saying it to me, they didn’t know I had that in my left leg. In rehab we kind of do a lot of stuff down that pocket so we’ve been most days kind of having fun kicking them.

Geelong led by 25 points at three-quarter time, 70 to 45, but were forced to withstand a spirited Gold Coast comeback before securing the win, their first in seven matches.

After the game, Geelong's social media team shared a brilliant photo of Burke with former player and Laois hero Zach Tuohy.

Burke, who had established himself in Jack O’Connor’s Kerry panel during the 2024 inter-county season, will be aiming to build on this encouraging performance.