AUSTRALIAN COACH RODNEY EADE has opted for the “spark and enthusiasm” of youth over experience as he whittled down his panel for the forthcoming International Rules series against Ireland.
Eade, who takes charge of the Australian side for the first time this autumn, raised a few eyebrows by naming a 24-man squad which includes just four players with previous experience of the hybrid game.
Brad Green, David Wojcinski and James Frawley have all been retained from last year’s series-winning side, while St Kilda veteran Stephen Milne returns to the team nine years on from his appearances during the 2002 series in Ireland.
Suprisingly, Eade has not included any players from beaten AFL grand finalists Collingwood, the team with which he is now Football and Coaching Strategist.
“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,” he said this morning.
We have selected well-performed players in the youth bracket of 20-24 year olds around the competition to provide spark and enthusiasm, combined with a proven track record in AFL footy of their running power.
Anthony Tohill and the Irish team depart for Australia next Saturday, 22 October. The first test of the series takes place in Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium on 28 October with the second leg in Gold Coast on 4 November.
Australia: Richard Douglas, James Frawley, Robbie Gray, Brad Green, Shaun Grigg, James Kelly, Jake King, Ben McGlynn, Trent McKenzie, Stephen Milne, Angus Monfries, Robin Nahas, Mark Nicoski, Mitch Robinson, Liam Shiels, Zac Smith, Matthew Suckling, Andrew Swallow, Colin Sylvia, Jack Trengove, Bernie Vince, Callan Ward, David Wojcinski, Easton Wood.
