Former Sydney star Tadhg Kennelly says the AFL is an easy target for criticism after Cathal McShane’s proposed move Down Under from Ireland.

Irishman Kennelly, who won a premiership with the Swans in 2005, expects Tyrone’s Gaelic football star McShane to remain in Ireland in 2020.

Adelaide confirmed on Monday that McShane, who was named the Irish game’s best full forward in 2019, will join the AFL club’s pre-season training this month.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has hit out at the Gaelic Athletic Association’s (GAA) relationship with the AFL, and also criticised former Gaelic footballers who are acting as intermediaries for players’ moves to Australia.

However, Kennelly, who is the only player to win a premiership in the AFL premiership medal and an All-Ireland medal, said he has heard it all before.

“It’s nothing new,” Kennelly told Off The Ball when asked about Harte’s comments.

“Obviously, I understand where he’s coming from and of course he’s (Harte) going to be disappointed.

“I’m almost sick of it.

“It is almost a consistent theme, and while I understand the frustration within the GAA, I think the AFL is an easy target.”

Kerry native Kennelly believes McShane will play for Tyrone this year, saying the Crows will likely sign the powerful 24-year-old as international rookie in early October or November if he impresses in pre-season this month.

“The AFL’s final playing list has been lodged for the 2020 season so he can’t play this year,” Kennelly said.

He’ll be playing with Tyrone in the Championship this year.

“He can come out in July if he did get selected in the mid-season draft but that is highly unlikely for an international player.

“So, (McShane) can’t play this season. He’ll be playing for Tyrone.”