AFL Indigenous squad named for International Rules series against Ireland Posted Thu 29 Aug 2013, 12:16pm AEST The AFL has named a 33-man Australian Indigenous squad for the International Rules series in Ireland, with Lance Franklin confident all the big names will be keen to play for their country. Hawthorn forward Franklin, Fremantle midfielder Stephen Hill and Sydneys Adam Goodes and Lewis Jetta were among the stars named in coach Michael OLoughlins squad on Thursday. Scandal-hit Essendon, who on Tuesday was demoted to ninth place as part of AFL sanctions for their suspect 2012 supplements program, was the best represented club with five players. Bombers ruckman Paddy Ryder was included alongside team-mates Courtenay Dempsey, Alwyn Davey, Leroy Jetta and Nathan Lovett-Murray in the squad that will be trimmed to touring party of 21 after the AFL grand final. Melbournes Aaron Davey - older brother of Alwyn, who recently announced his retirement - was also included in the squad. Ireland will host two International Rules Tests - in Cavan on October 19 and at Dublins Croke Park on October 26. Player participation and support for the hybrid international game has been a growing concern in the AFL, and the league is confident that switching to an all-Indigenous team will change that. Franklin and Goodes, who captained the Australian 2010 touring team that won the series 2-0, were on hand at Thursdays announcement and both expected the stars to line up for Australia. Were very confident that all our best players will be available to play for Australia, and why wouldnt they? said Franklin. Its going to be an unbelievable experience. Its something well never forget. The AFLs really backed us in terms of this tour, so were looking forward to getting over to Ireland. Australias International Rules squad: Tony Armstrong (Sydney), Harley Bennell (Gold Coast), Eddie Betts (Carlton), Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn), Allen Christensen (Geelong), Aaron Davey (Melbourne), Alwyn Davey (Essendon), Courtenay Dempsey (Essendon), Shane Edwards (Richmond), Lance Franklin (Hawthorn), Adam Goodes (Sydney), Curtly Hampton (Greater Western Sydney), Bradley Hill (Hawthorn), Josh Hill (West Coast), Stephen Hill (Fremantle), Leroy Jetta (Essendon), Lewis Jetta (Sydney), Michael Johnson (Fremantle), Andrew Krakouer (Collingwood), Nathan Lovett-Murray (Essendon), Brandon Matera (Gold Coast), Ash McGrath (Brisbane), Steven Motlop (Geelong), Danyle Pearce (Fremantle), Patrick Ryder (Essendon), Mathew Stokes (Geelong), Lindsay Thomas (North Melbourne), Travis Varcoe (Geelong), Andrew Walker (Carlton), Michael Walters (Fremantle), Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast), Daniel Wells (North Melbourne), Chris Yarran (Carlton).
Posted on: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 02:16:26 +0000
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