Kennelly welcomes expats

Australian Rules: Tadhg Kennelly is still contemplating a return to Ireland at the end of this season, but in the meantime, …

Australian Rules: Tadhg Kennelly is still contemplating a return to Ireland at the end of this season, but in the meantime, the Australian Football League (AFL) is feeling more and more like home.

The Sydney Swans star was excited to hear the former Laois full back Colm Begley made his debut for the Brisbane Lions on Sunday, and with 2003 All-Star Setanta Ó hAilpín playing for Carlton, Kennelly is enjoying their success.

"We seem to be taking over the game, us Irishmen," said the Kerryman. "The more the better, get us all over here.

"Colm only came here last November so it's a drastic rise for him to get on the senior list in his first year.

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"I have been through it all, so I have been in touch with Colm and Setanta, offering any advice I can give."

He is looking forward to seeing first-hand both of them play when the Swans take on Brisbane next week and Carlton the week after.

"Colm is very similar to me. Brisbane have tried to play him on the wing and at half back to get that run. That half-back role that we play here is very similar to a midfielder in Gaelic football when you're running and attacking the ball. He played the same position I played as a Gaelic footballer."

Kennelly's mother, Nuala, was recently in Australia for three weeks.

The Listowel man said they discussed whether he should return to Ireland but he would not make up his mind until the AFL season was over.

"We did talk about it and the decision is up to myself, and I haven't come to it really," he said.