World Footy News

Carlton's Fijian-Australian-Irish recruit Setanta O'hAilpin tonight staked a claim to keep his AFL career alive. It has been speculated on this site and in other media that Setanta is likely in his last season unless he can string together a long run of good matches. After his infamous indiscretion at the start of the year (suspended for striking a team-mate in an internal trial) and injury problems, it was looking as though the Irishmen might not even get a chance to prove his worth on the field.

But injuries to other players have opened the door, especially with gun swingman Jarrad Waite out for the season. The Old Dark Navy Blues have given Setanta an extended run, giving him a chance to build some confidence and regain the tempo of AFL footy. Last night Carlton turned to Setanta to hold down a key position, as a roaming centre half forward against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium. Although the Blues went down to the Saints, O'hAilpin played a very useful game, gathering 8 kicks, 2 handballs, 5 marks and booting a goal that kept Carlton in the match late in the final term. His marking at full stretch caused some problems for the Saints, and his harassment around the ground slowed them moving the ball out of defence. A spearing pass to Brendan Fevola (who goaled) was also a crucial moment in the final stanza. For the record, Carlton couldn't quite do enough to defeat the unbeaten Saints, losing 14.11 (95) to 16.8 (104).

One game like that won't extend his career, but if he can repeat it most weeks for the rest of the season, then he'll continue to gain the confidence of his team mates who will use him more, and he may well find his odyssey Down Under continues at least another year.