Setanta ‘very close’ to making AFL debut, says coach

CARLTON coach Denis Pagan is adamant that Setanta Ó hAilpín “is very close” to making his AFL debut.

The former Cork star was due to play against Adelaide at the AAMI Stadium, however, Pagan decided against using the 21-year-old late last week.

The Corkman who was young hurler of the year in 2003 before shifting to Australia to embark on an AFL career, was promoted from the rookie list during the week after veteran Anthony Franchina was placed on the long-term injury list due to a fractured thumb.

Pagan stressed that "just a few good games" would propel the Aussie Rules convert into the senior line-up.

"He's not playing, so unfortunately he has to wait to another day. He's played very well the last two weeks, but VFL to AFL senior football [is a big step up]. He's still got a bit of work to do," Pagan said.

"He was very excited and he's such an enthusiastic guy and the reason why is just because the way he goes about his footy [and] the way he prepares.

"You come down here and you'll see him for two hours kicking for goal and practicing his deficiencies. He just really wants to get better."

Pagan indicated that Ó hAilpín's determination to play at the highest level and get the best out of himself was up there with the best he'd seen.

"You just look at his work rate. He came here at 88 kilos he's now 96. He wants to do everything that has to be done to make it and nothing's going to distract him and he puts a lot of guys [to shame]," Pagan said.

"He's become a role model in terms of preparation. We had Craig [Bradley] here the other night and he spoke about preparation and Setanta's already got to that level and he's just going to improve and going to get better and he's going to make it.

"The only thing that's determining that is time now," said Pagan.