Setanta man on a mission

SETANTA Ó hAILPÍN is “hell bent” on capitalising on a second bite of the cherry that has seen him go full circle, bringing him back to the doorstep of where he was born.

Injuries allowing, Ó hAilpín has a tremendous opportunity in the coming season of joining Jim Stynes, Sean Wight and Tadhg Kennelly as the only Irish recruits to play 100 games in the AFL. As it stands, this quartet represents the only ones to have played 50 games, although Martin Clarke looks likely to join that select group as he stands on 46 appearances ahead of his comeback with Collingwood.

Ó hAilpín played 80 times and scored 67 goals for Carlton but is sure to be relied upon more heavily by Greater Western Sydney in what is certain to be a difficult introduction to the league for the new franchise. It is a challenge he is relishing.