International Rules teams aim for better off-field ties

The Australian and Irish teams will seek to forge closer off-field ties in their efforts to rescue the International Rules series. On-field violence during the 2005 and 2006 series nearly killed off the concept, leading to a postponement last year.

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Only a series of negotiations between the AFL and the Gaelic Athletic Association kept the series alive.

Irish coach Sean Boylan has said his greatest disappointment from the 2006 tour was that the two teams did not have an opportunity to mix socially.

The two squads will have a joint dinner in Perth on Wednesday ahead of the first Test at Subiaco on October 24.

“There will be opportunity for players to mix before the first game, that’s something we’ve discussed with the Irish,” AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson said today.

“We’ve got full confidence, discussing the game with (Australian coach Mick Malthouse) and our Irish counterparts, that it will be played in a good spirit.”

North Melbourne great Brent Harvey was named as Australian captain today, with Hawthorn premiership utility Campbell Brown and West Coast midfielder Adam Selwood the vice-captains.

While the Australians are emphasising the need for fair play, Harvey promises they will still attack the ball as hard as possible.

Brown’s presence and his senior status in the young squad also indicates this will not be a group of shrinking violets.

“I’m sure it’s going to be in good spirit anyway, we’ve had a couple of (incidents) over the years and it won’t get back to that,” Harvey said.

“As long as we play it in the right spirit, I’m sure the Irish boys will do the same and this game will be around for a long time.

“We’ll be hard at the ball, no doubt, and that will be our most important aim.”

Malthouse was confident his squad of 25 would approach the games in the right way.

“We’re ever-reminded about what took place in the past … (but) I’m a great believer in sportsmanship at its highest level,” he said.

“The fundamental right is to be able to attack the football in the right sense, but have that fair-mindedness about it that we’re representing Australia, we are the front window for our sport.

“One of the criteria of them being picked and one of the things they hold dear to themselves is their ability to play hard football, but fair football.

“I’m hopeful that’s going to be demonstrated, but we’ll certainly be talking about it – we’re not going to harp on it.”

Harvey and Brown were among only eight members of the national squad who trained today, with many others still away on post-season leave.

The squad will come together on Sunday in Perth.

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