Thunder secure World Cup winner on two-year deal

At just 19 years old, the Launceston local has quickly established himself as one of Australian cricket’s most promising young talents, forging an impressive path through the national junior system and onto the international stage.

O’Connor rose to prominence at the 2023 Under 19 Male National Championships, scoring 258 runs at an average of 64.5 and taking 7 wickets. Efforts that secured both Player of the Tournament and Team of the Championship selection.

His standout form earned him a place in Australia’s ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup squad, where he went on to lift the trophy alongside Thunder teammate Sam Konstas - Australia’s first U19 World Cup triumph since 2010.

In November 2024, O’Connor was selected in the Prime Minister’s XI to face an India side featuring Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, before making his Sheffield Shield debut for the Tasmanian Tigers – marking it with a composed half-century – and going on to feature in the One-Day Cup.

O’Connor’s standout performances in the 2024–25 season were recognised at the Cricket Tasmania Awards, where he was named Jamie Cox Young Men’s Player of the Year.

O’Connor was elated to earn his first BBL contract, stating:

"It feels pretty surreal. It’s definitely exciting, and a little nerve-wracking to join a team in another state, but I can’t wait to get stuck into a new environment, meet the players, the staff, and make the most of my time in Sydney.

"To get the opportunity to play with David Warner... I mean, I looked up to 'Davey' my whole childhood so I'm very excited for that.

"I'm also really looking forward to playing with a new group. I know it's a great group and to enjoy it you've got to have great people in your team.

"I’ll work hard for an opportunity to play, but I’ll also do whatever I can on the sidelines to support the team. I just want us to go one better and lift the trophy."

Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said he was thrilled to bring the talented Tasmanian to Sydney.

“Aidan is one of the most outstanding young all-round talents in the country in our opinion,” Copeland said.

“What stands out is his tenacity in the contest with bat and ball, and his reputation as a fantastic team member. Watching him play for Tasmania against NSW last season, it reminded me a lot of Chris Green and Daniel Sams.

“Aidan has already made a significant mark, winning the 2024 ICC U19 World Cup, as well as the Tasmania Young player of the year after debuting in both 50-over and First-Class cricket in the past 12 months, and we are confident that he’s ready for the BBL.

“Aidan has an incredibly exciting future ahead of him, and we are looking forward to seeing the impact he will no doubt make as part of our Thunder squad for BBL|15.”

Thunder kick off their BBL|15 campaign in Hobart with a grand final re-match against the Hurricanes on December 16, before returning home to ENGIE Stadium for a blockbuster Sydney Smash on December 20. Tickets are selling fast - click here to grab yours! 

Sydney Thunder KFC BBL|15 Squad To Date:   
Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Ravichandran Ashwin (IND), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG) Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Adian O'Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner. 

Sydney Thunder KFC BBL|15 Home Matches: 

V Sydney Sixers | Saturday, December 20 | 7:15pm | ENGIE Stadium 

V Brisbane Heat | Monday, December 22 | 7:15pm | Corroboree Group Manuka Oval 

V Adelaide Strikers | Sunday, December 28 | 7:15pm | Corroboree Group Manuka Oval 

V Perth Scorchers | Tuesday, December 30 | 7:15pm | ENGIE Stadium 

V Hobart Hurricanes | Saturday, January 3 | 7:15pm | ENGIE Stadium 

V Melbourne Renegades | Monday, January 12 | 7:15 | ENGIE Stadium