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International rules deserves pride: Selwood

18th November, 2014
6

New Australian captain Joel Selwood believes he has the team to restore prominence to the International Rules concept after recent contests were marred by indifference.

An all-indigenous Australian team was routed in a series whitewash in Ireland in 2013 while previous incarnations of the tournament have struggled to attract top-level AFL stars in recent years.

But in 2014, the AFL is determined to revive the hybrid competition, recruiting a star-studded side for the one-off test against Ireland in Perth on Saturday.

The 24-man squad made up entirely of All-Australians will look to snap a two-series losing streak dating back to 2011.

Selwood said while there was some initial hesitation within the Australian ranks, once a couple of big-name players got on board, others jumped at the opportunity.

“There was a lot of us that were non-believers at the start that didn’t think the series could get to where it is right now,” Selwood said on Tuesday.

“I wouldn’t say we haven’t taken it seriously in the past but I would say it’s the best group of players that we’ve been able to put together for a long time.

“The players have been a little bit disrespectful to the opportunity of representing your country so we’re really proud as a group to get together and making sure we can put a great show.”

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Geelong skipper Selwood won out over six other AFL captains to get the nod as Australian skipper at a team ceremony at Sydney Opera House on Monday night.

Luke Hodge, Nick Riewoldt and Jarryd McVeigh round out the leadership group.

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