Out-of-favour Setanta set to leave Carlton

SETANTA O hAILPÍN could be on the brink of leaving AFL club Carlton.

Cork supporters hoping that this might signal a return to Leeside are likely to have their hopes dashed though, as it is understood that the former young hurler of the year is looking to explore his options of joining another club.

The 27-year-old still has one year left on his contract with the Melbourne club but Australian media claim the player is disappointed at being dropped to the Victorian Football League for the last seven rounds of the regular season and the finals’ series loss to Sydney.

O hAilpín has made 72 appearances for the Blues since making his debut five years ago, scoring 56 goals despite being used as a defender and ruckman. It seemed he had established himself as a forward this year as he made a stunning start to the season, shooting 24 goals in 10 games and having a hand in many others. His form began to taper off though as he managed just two more in his next four outings and struggled for possession.

Meanwhile, Barry Hall booted four goals to dash former Sydney team-mate Tadhg Kennelly’s hopes of winning a second premiership in yesterday’s hard fought AFL preliminary semi-final. Western Bulldogs progressed to a preliminary final against St Kilda (77-72) after fighting back from a 30-point deficit in the second quarter. Kennelly was amongst the Swans’ driving forces along with Josh Kennedy and Ted Richards, racking up 28 possessions which included six marks.

Kennelly consistently broke up opposition attacks while proving the spark for many of his own side’s forays into the Bulldogs’ half.

Crucially though, Sydney only managed two goals from 10 scoring shots and that proved their Achilles heel in what was a last game for coach Paul Roos and co-captain Bret Kirk.