Reverting to old full-back role a blow for Setanta

SETANTA O hAILPÍN’S hopes that he had established himself in a specific role on the Carlton team have been dashed as the Cork man has been named at full-back for the Blues’ clash with Port Adelaide on Sunday.

O hAilpín was in outstanding form at centre-forward earlier this season, chipping in with crucial goals as well as proving an important ball-winner. He has scored 10 of his 28 career goals this season from nine games, four of those coming against Freemantle.

A hamstring injury, incurred when colliding with team-mate Brendan Fevola in that game, halted the 26-year-old’s momentum however as he was forced to sit on the sidelines for four weeks.

Though lining out at centre-forward in the past two games since his return and not performing poorly, the 2003 Young Hurler of the Year has not picked up where he left off.

O hAilpín is no stranger to full-back, having initially been introduced to the team in that position.

He has also been used as a ruck man as Carlton’s coaching staff continue to try to find his best position.

There is no such surprise for Michael Quinn who retains his place in the forward pocket after an impressive return to the Essendon team last week.

The Killoe youngster displayed a much improved kicking game in the Bombers’ draw with Brisbane and will be keen to cement his place in the team as the season reaches a climax.

Meanwhile, Colm Begley is dropped by St Kilda, who welcome back eight players that were absent as the Saints racked up their 19th successive win.

Begley got in to make his first appearance for his new side following his release by Brisbane at the end of last season but must now content himself with a run-out for the reserves this weekend.

Martin Clarke looks likely to miss out as well.

The Down tyro has endured a disappointing season having earned rave reviews over the previous two years.

Dropped earlier in the campaign by Mick Malthouse, who was manager of Australia’s international rules team last year, Clarke has been performing well for the reserves alongside Kevin Dyas from Armagh.

He is named on the emergency list ahead of Collingwood’s game against Richmond tomorrow and will only earn a call-up if there is an 11th- hour withdrawal.