AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou today congratulated the 21 players named in the Indigenous Australian Rules team which will play in the 2013 International Rules Series in Ireland.
Supported by Coles and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Indigenous Australian Rules team will train in Melbourne on October 11 and will depart for Ireland from Sydney International Airport on October 12.
The Indigenous Australian Rules team will play two Test matches. The First Test will be played at Breffni Park in Cavan on October 19, followed by the Second Test in Dublin at Croke Park on October 26.
Andrew Demetriou said the 2013 International Rules Series is a significant event in Australia’s Game.
“The Indigenous All-Stars will make Australian sporting history when they travel to Ireland to represent Australia for the first time in the International Rules Series against Ireland.
“The list is made up of an impressive and competitive group of players, which will showcase our Indigenous talent and I’m confident will do Australia proud.”
Michael O’Loughlin is Head Coach of the Indigenous Australian Rules team and will be supported by a senior coaching panel to be made up of Rodney Eade, Tadhg Kennelly and Andrew McLeod. Adam Goodes will join the tour in a coaching/mentoring role.
In the most recent series in Ireland in 2010 Australia secured a 2-0 victory under former coach Mick Malthouse, before losing 0-2 in Australia in 2011.
The International Rules Series matches will be broadcast nationally on 7Mate.
Indigenous Australian Rules Team:
Tony Armstrong (Sydney Swans), Dominic Barry (Melbourne), Eddie Betts (Adelaide), Alwyn Davey (Essendon), Aaron Davey (Melbourne, retired), Shaun Edwards (GWS), Cameron Ellis-Yolmen (Adelaide), Lance Franklin, Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast SUNS), Joshua Hill (West Coast), Leroy Jetta (Essendon), Lewis Jetta (Sydney Swans), Nathan Lovett-Murray (Essendon, retired), Ashley McGrath (Brisbane Lions), Steven Motlop (Geelong), Jake Neade (Port Adelaide), Mathew Stokes (Geelong), Lindsay Thomas (North Melbourne), Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast), Daniel Wells (North Melbourne), Christopher Yarran (Carlton)
