The dream of one day breasting the Navy Blue banner with older brother Setanta is nearing reality for Aisake O’hAilpin, now that the athletic 22 year-old ruckman has been elevated to Carlton’s senior list.

As Aisake proudly declared to carltonfc.com.au this week: “If ever I get that opportunity to run out with him I’ll cherish it. I’ll be putting my best foot forward”.

“I found out at the end of season that I was a chance to be elevated. I had a feeling it was going to happen,” Aisake said.

“I reckon the Club has given me a good opportunity. I’m delighted and I hope to repay them.”

Aisake is first to admit that there’s still some way to go in terms of learning the craft. But the one-time Irish hurler believes that the experiences of these past three seasons have left him in fine fettle for the next phase of his football life.

“I didn’t know much about it [Australian Rules] until my brother got drafted the year before me,” Aisake said.

“But ‘Kouta’, Tony Liberatore and Barry Mitchell have all taught me heaps. They didn’t put much pressure on me, I was left to do my apprenticeship with the Bullants and I feel much more comfortable now than I did three years ago.”

All but recovered from groin surgery of 14 weeks past, Aisake is readying himself for a solid pre-season assault. He’s further buoyed by the news that the Irishman and prospective roommate Michael Shields will shortly join him on the track.

As Aisake explained: “Setanta and I look forward to seeing him. My brother and I called him two weeks ago and he’s nervous, but pretty excited”.