Setanta O hAilpin's AFL career looks to be at an end after he was delisted by the Carlton Blues.

And with Carlton coach Brett Ratten claiming that there was no real interest from other clubs in the player during the trade window which closed yesterday, he may be left with no option but to return to Cork where he made his name as one of hurling's brightest prospects nearly a decade ago.

It had become clear in recent days that either O hAilpin or Paul Bower was going to be released by Carlton, and it's believed the Irishman's age - at 28 he is five years older than Bower - was the deciding factor.

"This was a very tough decision for us, Setanta has been an important part of our club for seven years since he arrived in Australia from Ireland," Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said.

"The AFL rules required us to make one more change to our playing list prior to the list lodgement on October 31 to ensure we have the minimum selections in the 2011 national draft.

"Setanta and Paul Bower were the two players out of contract and after a lengthy meeting this morning we made this tough decision. We certainly wish Setanta the very best and I know his enthusiasm will be missed around Carlton Football Club."

A former Young Hurler of the Year, O hAilpin signed as a rookie for Carlton in 2004 and went on make 80 appearances in the AFL, including eight this season. In 2009, he received a lengthy suspension from Carlton after he was involved in a training ground punch-up with team-mate Cameron Cloke. Tweet

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