Irish defender Tadhg Kennelly has confirmed he will leave Sydney and return to Gaelic football - but not in 2009.

Kennelly, 27, refuted an Irish newspaper report that he would quit the AFL next year and link with his old Gaelic football club Kerry.

Kennelly - off contract at the end of the 2009 season - is quoted in The Irish Mail saying he will "try to win an All-Ireland title" with Kerry.

"I'm definitely going home next year to try to win an All-Ireland medal," the Irish newspaper quoted him as saying.

However, Kennelly said a Gaelic football return was only in his long term plans.

"It's totally wrong. I'm signed with the Swans for two years, it's a mis-report that has come from home," he said in Brisbane ahead of Saturday night's clash with the Lions at the Gabba.

"I've clarified it already with the club. I'm signed with them for two years and that's when I will decide what I am going to do with my future."

Kennelly said he would eventually return to Gaelic football in a bid to emulate his late father Tim, who was an All-Ireland champion with Kerry.

"Definitely (I will return)," he said.

"My father was a very successful Gaelic footballer. It (All-Ireland medal) has been something I've wanted to do my whole life, my whole career.

"I'll definitely go home and have a crack at trying to win an All Ireland medal."

Meantime, the closest Kennelly will get to a Gaelic footballer is playing against the AFL's growing Irish contingent, including good friend Colm Begley of the Brisbane Lions.

They will square off again in the aptly named Rivalry Round, adding another chapter to their special friendship.

Kennelly hit it off with his compatriot from the outset, ensuring Begley had a memorable AFL debut with the Lions in 2006.

"I remember his first game was against us. I played against him and I kind of tackled him, threw him to the ground, and I said a few things that I can't repeat into his ear," Kennelly laughed.

"We've got some good banter going on between the two of us. Most of the boys can't understand us anyway - it's Irish-English we call it.

"It's a good rivalry and it's very healthy."

Begley, 21, has never hidden his love for Gaelic football.

He spent his off-season playing in Stradbally's failed bid to win the Laois County championship final.

He flew home to Australia with the Lions' new Irish recruit, teenager Pearce Hanley, who was spotted at Gaelic club Mayo.

Begley also hoped to make a Gaelic football return.

"I think any Irish player who comes over here, you leave home and come over to do a job," he said.

"But it's always in your heart to go home at some stage.

"For me I love playing Gaelic football, I miss it a lot.

"Maybe in a few years, hopefully I have a career over here and go back for two or three years and play Gaelic football."

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