Cillian Burke is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about new names in Australian Football League (AFL). Hailing from Ireland, Burke recently signed with the Geelong Cats, drawing excitement from fans and sports media alike.
In this article, you will know Cillian Burke’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more. Let’s get started with understanding who Burke really is and what led to his big break in the AFL.
Cillian Burke’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cillian Burke |
| Date of Birth | March 29, 2003 |
| Age | 22 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Height | 192cm |
| Weight | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2025 (AFL Category B Rookie at Geelong) |
| Team | Geelong Cats |
| Position | Defender (Half-back) |
| Net Worth | $150,000 |
| Salary | $99,100 |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Burke grew up in Milltown, County Kerry, Ireland, where he rapidly gained recognition as one of the county’s most promising Gaelic football talents.
He played for his local club, Milltown/Castlemaine, and quickly worked his way up the ranks due to his outstanding athleticism and leadership on the field. His performances at the under-20 level were especially memorable, helping his team secure two Munster U20 titles.
In 2024, he joined the Kerry senior squad. Though young, Burke made game-changing contributions during championship matches against top teams like Derry and Armagh, catching the eye of talent scouts from Australia with his ability to play both in defense and attack.
Professional Career
Burke decided to switch from Gaelic football to the AFL. Geelong Cats signed him as a Category B rookie in November, officially welcoming him to the club for the 2025 season.
Burke followed in the footsteps of fellow Kerry natives Mark O’Connor and Oisin Mullin, who had already found success in Australian rules football. Known for his speed, agility, and strong ball skills, Burke quickly impressed his coaches in training.
In June 2025, he debuted for Geelong’s VFL team, showing promising signs as a tall, fast defender. Although still early in his Australian rules career, Burke’s transition from Gaelic football is seen as exciting for both him and the club.
Cillian Burke’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Cillian Burke’s estimated net worth is $150,000. As a recent international signing and rookie, his earnings mainly come from his contract salary with Geelong.
Contract
Burke signed a Category B rookie contract with Geelong ahead of the 2025 AFL season. These contracts are usually offered to players coming from other sports or countries.
Rookie contracts in the AFL for international recruits are designed to help them settle into the league and offer a chance to prove themselves. Burke’s contract covers salary, relocation, and player transition support.
Salary
For 2025, Burke’s base salary as a Category B rookie at Geelong is $99,100. This salary is standard for rookie contracts of his type in the AFL, and it reflects his entry-level status as he adapts to a new code and country.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Geelong Cats | $99,100 |
Career Stats
| Competition | Year | Appearances | Position | Goals | Points | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFL (VFL) | 2025 | 1 | Half-back | 0 | 0 | Debut: June 2025 |
| Gaelic (Senior) | 2024 | 7 (Champ) | Half-forward | 0 | 2 | Big games vs Derry |
| Gaelic (U21) | 2022-23 | 6 | U21 | 2 | 3 | 2x Munster Champion |
FAQs
1. Who is Cillian Burke and what team does he play for?
Cillian Burke is a talented Irish footballer who joined the Geelong Cats as a Category B rookie ahead of the 2025 AFL season. He comes from County Kerry, Ireland, and has a strong background in Gaelic football. His athleticism and ball skills impressed both in Ireland and upon his arrival in Australia.
2. How did Burke perform in his AFL debut?
Burke made his debut for Geelong’s VFL team against the Gold Coast Suns after overcoming a knee injury. He scored a remarkable goal with his left foot, surprising many since he is naturally right-footed. He played as a forward, had three score involvements, and two intercept possessions, contributing to a close victory.
3. What position does Burke play and what are his main strengths?
He plays as a defender and occasionally takes up a forward role. Standing at 192cm, Burke is known for his speed, agility, and athleticism. His experience in Gaelic football has given him elite running abilities and strong ball-handling skills, making him a valuable addition to the team.
4. Why did Cillian Burke move from Ireland to Australia?
Burke decided to switch codes to Australian Rules Football to pursue a professional sports career. He wanted to follow the path of fellow Irish players like Mark O’Connor and Oisin Mullin, inspired by their success at Geelong. The professionalism and top-tier facilities of the AFL attracted him to make the transition.
5. Which Gaelic football achievements did Burke earn before joining the AFL?
Before joining Geelong, Burke played for Milltown/Castlemaine and the Kerry senior team. He made seven championship appearances, participated in one Munster Senior Final—which he won—and contributed with scores in both league and championship matches. His move to AFL marked a significant milestone for both him and his home county.
