Kennelly misses opener

IRELAND’S Tadhg Kennelly has been ruled out of Sydney Swan’s AFL opener against Brisbane Lions.

The Kerry man injured his left knee during tackling practice at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

An arthroscopy was performed on Thursday morning at the Prince of Wales Hospital to repair a tear in the meniscus cartilage. It's expected Kennelly will be available for either round three or four.

Kennelly has played 52 games since making his debut in 2001 and in addition to becoming a key element of the Swans midfield, is also becoming the most successful Irish import to AFL football since Jim Stynes.

Meanwhile Setanta Ó hÁilpin has not been named on the Carlton team that travels to Perth for the round one match against Fremantle tomorrow. It is expected that as many as ten players will make their debut for Carlton in the season opener.

Though he impressed in the Wizard Cup, the management team are not prepared to rush the Cork youngster straight into the AFL.

Ó hÁilpin recently met with Kennelly as he quickly grows accustomed to life in Melbourne.

“Tadhg has been fantastic. He contacted me just after I arrived in Melbourne and has continued to stay in touch, even calling to wish me luck before my first game in the Wizard Cup. And don’t worry I am never shy in calling him,” the Corkman said.

Likewise Kennelly admitted what Setanta had achieved in such a short time in Australia was incredible and he has no doubt he will make the grade in the AFL. Kennelly said he knew all about Setanta’s hurling career and the star he had been in Ireland, making the All Ireland team in 2003 as well as being named the Young Hurling Star of the season.

“It is great to see what he has achieved and don’t worry his story is huge back home in Ireland. I was really pleased that I was able to see his first game, although I didn’t get to see it live I did watch the replay,” said Kennelly.