World Footy News

The odds appear to be increasing that Carlton's Irish brothers will be forced to go their separate ways next year. Setanta has played 46 games for the Blues and still seems a chance to hold down a key position. He was only considered as a possible trade for a reasonable pick in the draft, and with no deal done (trade week finished yesterday), and still under contract for 2009, it looks like Setanta will get another season.

The chances for younger brother Aisake O'hAilpin seem less promising. At 23, out of contract and with no AFL games after 3 to 4 years at the Blues, his time may be up. On Thursday Carlton confirmed there were no trade offers, and combined with reported disciplinary problems this year, it doesn't look good. The final blow could be Carlton's last gasp securing of Fremantle's 206cm rookie ruckman Robert Warnock in the trade. He joins 2007 number one draft pick and very promising ruckman Matthew Kreuzer at the Blues, so given that Aisake has been touted as a ruck option, it is bad news for the Irishman.

If the Old Dark Navy Blues decide to de-list Aisake, he will have to hope for a club to pick him up in the November or pre-season drafts, if he wishes to continue his AFL bid. Note that previously players only got a second the chance via the pre-season draft, so at least he now has two opportunities if Carlton cut him.