World Footy News

Ireland's young hurling champion turned AFL player, Setanta O'hAilpin is set to return to the Carlton line up on Friday night against Hawthorn at the Telstra Dome. "Carlos" made his debut in 2005 when he was lifted from the Blues' International Rookie list, but was used sparingly in his only game, though he did goal with his first kick in the AFL.

Setanta had a very solid 2005 season with Carlton's VFL feeder club the Northern Bullants, and was promoted to the Blues' senior list for this season. It may be that he will be expected to play a few reasonable games for Carlton this year to continue with the club. An ongoing injury to Jarrad Waite and the one week suspension of full forward Brendan Fevola has opened the door for the Irishman. He has had injury concerns in recent weeks and coach Denis Pagan suggested that in an ideal world Setanta would spend a few more games in the VFL, but circumstances have given him a chance. Let's hope he goes well and keeps AFL clubs interested in the international experiment.

At time of writing Setanta is pictured on the front of the Carlton website and his return is briefly mentioned in Three changes for Hawks clash. He has been named on the bench.

Meanwhile his younger brother Aisake has begun the season in the Bullants' reserves grade. Hopefully he can step up to the seniors during the year.