Kennelly gets off to a winning start in AFL return

TADHG KENNELLY made an eye-catching return to the AFL on Saturday as Sydney defeated Carlton in the first round of the pre-season NAB Cup, 71-59.

It was a poor game but that will not matter much to Kennelly, who was playing his first Aussie Rules game in almost 18 months, having returned home to win an All-Ireland with Kerry last year.

Although he’s made his name as a premiership-winning defender, Kennelly began in the unusual position of full-forward.

Given a roaming commission however, the Listowel man’s statistics give an indication of his influence on the play.

He had a total of 18 disposals, with eight kicks and 10 hand balls, distributing with 67% efficiency. He also won two marks, made two tackles and even got close to kicking a goal in the third quarter, but his kick drifted away for a behind.

The match-up with fellow Irishman Setanta O hAilpín never materialised however, as the former Young Hurler of the Year did not make an appearance. Carlton struggled in the goal-scoring stakes though, which had been predicted following the sacking of Brendan Fevola, their leading scorer in the past seven seasons. Their failure in this sector during this outing should increase O hAilpín’s chances of earning a coveted start for the beginning of the AFL season.