sport, australian-rules-football

THIS is the man Lavington must stop if it wants to bring down the Albury juggernaut today. Meet Setanta O’hAilpin. You’re probably more familiar with him wearing a Carlton or Greater Western Sydney jumper in the AFL, but the big Irishman has taken the Ovens and Murray by storm over the past two months for the Tigers. Brant Dickson is the last man to keep him out of a game, all the way back in round 5. O’hAilpin managed just the one goal on the Panthers’ defender that day, but he’s been on fire ever since. O’hAilpin has kicked 66 of his 77 goals for the season since that day at an average of just over eight a game. He’s kicked 10 or more in four of those and looks certain to become just the third Tiger in Albury’s history to boot a century of goals in a season. There’s no doubt O’hAilpin gets silver service from Albury’s superstar midfield each week, but his recent numbers suggest pure domination — whichever way you look at it. Lavington coach James Saker will again entrust Dickson with the job of stopping the Albury powerhouse. And he believes lightning can strike twice. “We’re really confident with our match-up,” Saker said. “In my opinion, Brant is one of the most underrated defenders in the competition and we expect him to acquit himself really well. “Physically, they’re quite similar — obviously Setanta is taller — but they are both that athletic tall.” Dickson is embracing the challenge. “It’s going to be a big test for everyone, but we’re looking forward to it,” he said. “I think it’s probably more about stopping the supply, which obviously makes mine and Sakes’ life easier down back. “Whether it’s somebody playing their first game, or someone who’s played 100 in the AFL, you always look forward to the challenge.” While footballers often search for normality, and prefer to say each week is no different to the next, Dickson is happy to admit today’s clash at Lavington Oval holds extra significance. But he isn’t expecting the Panthers to feel the pressure against the league heavyweight. “As a side, I think we are one that rises to the occasion and does what we need to do when that situation comes about,” he said. “There’s no doubt it’s a big game because if we win, we’re a chance of getting top spot, which would be nice.” If Dickson limits O’hAilpin’s influence again, the Panthers have to be every chance of doing that.

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/storypad-hRgnU7CfAjJBjZ9k7qBUYH/2cba9582-8075-413b-8fff-467d68b9ad0d.jpg/r0_466_3250_2302_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg