Squad ‘rules’ on coast

ERIN PEARSON
SURF Coast will host a three-day training session for Australia’s International Rules squad ahead of its clash with Ireland in October, the AFL has confirmed.
A spokesman told the Independent the side would train from October 22 to 24 at an undetermined location ahead of the first test at Etihad Stadium on October 28.
A training session would also follow at Geelong’s Skilled Stadium, the spokesman said.
Australia will host Ireland in the two-match International Rules series for the Cormac McAnallen trophy.
Australia holds the trophy after winning both matches under former coach Mick Malthouse in Ireland last year.
The second test is scheduled for November 4, with planning still underway on where the match will be held.
Football Geelong chief executive officer Lee Hartman said the training sessions would provide the region with a “rare opportunity” to see world-class sportsmen at work.
“I’d encourage local spectators and players to get down and have a look at these how the team goes about things and hopefully pick up a few pointers,” he said.
“It’s extremely exciting to have these players in Geelong and on the Surf Coast.
“To see these elite players train will be a great experience for many.”
AFL chief executive officer Andrew Demetriou said the Australian team would go into a close match the following weekend when the two countries went head to head.
“Last year a young side led by Adam Goodes performed exceptionally well to come with seven-point and three-point victories in Limerick and Dublin,” Mr Demetriou said.
“We’ll have to be at our best to defeat the Irish again later this year.”
Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade was appointed coach of Australian side for a two-year term earlier this year.
Eade is the second-longest-serving coach in the AFL.
The International Rules series is played with a round ball on a rectangular field.
The game was developed as a mix of Aussie rules football and Gaelic Football.
Last year’s squad included Cats players Travis Varcoe and David Wojcinski, St Kilda’s Leigh Montagna and Sam Gilbert, Collingwood’s Dane Swan and Essendon’s Dustin Fletcher.