Rules stars to train on coast

ERIN PEARSON
AUSTRALIA’S International Rules side will train at Torquay on Monday ahead of its clash with Ireland, according to the AFL.
Players including Geelong’s James Kelly and David Wojcinski, St Kilda’s Stephen Milne and Essendon’s Angus Monfries will arrive for training on Sunday.
An AFL spokesman said players would swim at Torquay’s main beach in the morning before training on the town’s football oval in the afternoon.
Former Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade will guide the team in its defence of the competition’s Cormac McAnallen trophy, won 2-0 in Ireland last year.
Eade said the Australian side was suited to the hybrid game.
“To be successful against Irish sides, who have an emphasis on a fast-moving forward line and great ball skills, we need to select players who are both quick across the ground and have good foot skills that can adapt to the round ball very quickly,” Eade said.
Premier Ted Baillieu said football was never far from the minds and hearts of Victorians.
“The International Rules Series will be a great preview of upcoming football talent and will get a rousing reception from sports-mad Victorians.”
The first Test will be at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium on October 28, with Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium hosting the second on November 4.