Hawthorn sad to see Kilkenny go

Reports in Australia claim homesickness was the reason for Ciaran Kilkenny’s decision to quit his three-year contract with Melbourne AFL club Hawthorn.

However, sources close to the 19-year-old insist it had nothing to do with homesickness and he had enjoyed Australia but wanted to pursue a career in Gaelic games.

Hawthorn’s recruiting manager Graham Wright said the club understand Kilkenny’s reasoning but regret his decision.