By the way, I don't know why anyone's giving my shit over this (unless of course you're illiterate and can't read my last few posts). I keep repeating the point I made about his potential to become a star. I never once said he was a lost cause.

At this stage, I think we'd be pretty fortunate to get as many as 10 games out of Setanta. I guess I can understand where the suggestion of 'overrated' is coming from - Setanta performed brilliantly last year for the Bullants, but his capacity at AFL standard did leave something to be desired in contrast. It just makes you wonder if, like so many others, this type of player will only ever be a sensational player in the 2s (fingers crossed this is not the case with the O'hAilpins). On the other hand, I have the feeling that Setanta's true talent will blossom remarkably if he's only given more opportunities to play in the AFL.

The reality is that the odds are stacked against both. That's not to say they cannot make it. We have seen the odd Irish recruit actually make it and even win a brownlow but for every one that does make it, there are numerous international recruits who don't.

Sean Wight was born in Glasgow, moved with his family to Ireland, and was the first Gaelic footballer to be brought to Australia by Melbourne's Barry Richardson and Ron Barassi as part of that club's 'Irish experiment' of the early 1980s.

Although it would be Dubliner Jim Stynes who would garner most of the accolades Sean Wight's career in Australian football was also highly commendable. In 150 games with Melbourne between 1985 and 1995, mainly as a defender, Wight established a reputation for the spectacular and the unexpected. Because he had not been brought up within the traditions of Australian football he frequently performed actions which appeared idiosyncratic: for instance, he often spoiled opponents' attempts to mark by coming in from the side, tapping the ball back over his head rather than forwards.

While it would probably be fair to say that Wight's spectacular marking ability was the most memorable feature of his game, he was also a stern, resolute defender who rarely conceded an easy possession.

And Wight's own evaluation of his stint in the game? "If I had played any other sport, my body would have been a lot better, but this has been a lot of fun," he told Glen Quartermain during his final season. "This is one of the best games in the world."

You have to include Sean Wight, Jarusa - 150 games for Melbourne between 1985 and 1995. True, he was born in Scotland but moved to Ireland and was recruited from there as a Gaelic Footballer.

This is his bio from Full Points Footy:

Sister of Setanta?

No-one thinks either is a superstar, and no-one talks about either as IF he is a superstar. Many think each has the POTENTIAL to become a superstar, or at least an elite player. Not all AFL players have that potential. I doubt any of us thought that of any of the players who arrived at the club alongside 1AW, Stevens, and Setanta. We were pleasantly surprised by Teague, but I doubt if we ever thought that Bannister or Digby, for instance, would ever give the Brownlow a shake. We were just hoping for some good 2nd tier players out of that lot.

Setanta has the ability to become a matchwinner. He is 198 cm and 99 kg, with the pace to be a fast-leading key-forward. This is exceptional in itself. He was an elite sportsman before joining us. He was a forward in Hurling, and forwards in Hurling employ the same strategies of leading and making space for each other as we employ in Aussie Rules - in many ways it is much closer to our game than Gaelic Rules is. He has a natural aggression and physicality that was always going to fit easily into our game. His dedication to succeeding at the Blues is second to none. He is already better than over 99% of blokes who have played the game. He is now an excellent kick and his marking is good. He has now had a couple of years in the system, and Tadgh Kennelly and Jimmy Stynes made their mark in their 3rd years. He is still developing an undertanding of the flow of the game, and he is improving rapidly. As he improves, he will become a fierce defensive forward in the mould of Waitey and a pack-busting forward in the mould of Earl. And that mark he took against Richmond was a contested leaping mark followed by a 45 m straight-as-an arrow kick.

I could go on, but I won't. I will just say that next year could bring anything from disappointment to ecstacy.

Maybe my initial post was misunderstood - I was suggesting we should be happy with 5 to 10 games next year. But I expect that he will become a fixture from 2007 onwards.

With Aisake, he too has massive potential. We can now all see very clearly how important a good ruckman is to us. He has the physique to excel. He is now 20 years old, is 203 cm and weighs in at 95 kg. He has grown 4 cm and put on 9 kg since he arrived as a 19 year old stripling. The weight he has put on is a testament to the hard yards he is willing to put in. It was not suprising that he would commence in the Bullants 2nds given his inexperience and his lack of bulk. Towards the end of this year, he improved his rucking dramatically. He is extremely fast and agile for his size and his skills are developing quickly. In 2006, I would think that he would have time in the Bullants' seniors to experience football at a higher level while playing in the 2nds to maximise his time in the ruck. At the end of the year, he should have developed to the point where he can be a dominant ruckman in the VFL in 2007 while being blooded with a few games for Carlton when needed. In 2008, he will be just 22 years old, but as with most ruckmen will improve dramatically over the following 3 years.

Bet you were hoping she was going to challenge you to meet face-to-face for a bit of a wrestle, weren't you Verbs

Now that would have been some Xmas present

There really is a sister?

She'd have me on my back in a second flat no doubt.

So in terms of ruckmen, would you say Aisake has a better upside to Batson or are they 2 different styles of ruckmen?
Is Aisake developing quicker than Batson therefore giving himself a better chance of cementing a place on the senior list?

There's not a great deal to separate them at the moment, I suppose. On recent training reports, Aisake has an edge in urgency and intensity with his running and disposal. He seems to be more extroverted which probably helps. But we will have to wait until we see them in action next year.

Batson needs to show enough to be promoted onto the senior list as next year is his 2nd and last on the rookie list. Aisake has the luxury of a possible 3rd year on the rookie list in 2007, and this might hurt his chances of an elevation if he has to compete with Batson for a spot. But IIRC we will still not have a 2nd veteran in 2007, so it is possible that Batson could be elevated, and Aisake could play seniors anyway in 2007 as the nominated rookie. So it might not have to be a fight to the death next year.

I thought you had to play 10 years for the same club to be eligible for the vet list? That would rule Barney out...

Pretty sure you are right steve. Also, Lappin came over in 2008 so he would only be available for the Vets list after this current 2 year contract which expires end 2007.

The next best bet is Whitnall who started up in 1997 - not sure if its 10 years and age 30 ???