TADHG KENNELLY’S Sydney Swans claimed their first NAB Cup game in eight years, beating Setanta Ó hAilpín’s Carlton by 12 points at the AFL’s newest venue in the heart of its newest territory – western Sydney.
A new-look Swans outfit – with Kennelly showing why the Swans were so anxious to re-sign him – led at every break, winning 2.7.11 (71) to 0.8.11 (59). Former Cork hurler Ó hAilpín did not line out for Carlton.
The ground withstood its AFL debut but did not escape teething problems. A blast from a passing train was mistaken by umpires for the quarter-time siren.
After some red faces and a few moments of confusion, the game resumed until the real quarter-time siren, which was greeted with ironic cheers by the crowd.
Kennelly will now come face-to-face with former Kerry team-mate Tommy Walsh next Saturday in the second round, after St Kilda had a one-point – 2.13.4 (100) to 1.13.12 (99) – victory over Collingwood in their round one NAB Cup clash – a pre-season competition – thanks to a last-minute goal at Etihad Stadium.
Meanwhile, midfielder Stephen Murray scored six second-half points and was inspirational as Tipperary pipped Kilkenny, 2-13 to 1-13, in a thrilling Vocational Schools All-Ireland senior hurling final at Semple Stadium on Saturday.
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