World Footy News

AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou yesterday said Australia would host Ireland in a two-match International Rules Series for the Cormac McAnallen trophy in October / November this year.

Australia currently holds the McAnallen trophy after winning both matches under former coach Mick Malthouse in Ireland last year. The opening Test of the 2011 series will be played on Friday October 28 with the second Test set down for Friday November 4.

Mr Demetriou said he was delighted to be able to confirm the first Test would be played at Etihad Stadium, thanks to the support of the Victorian Government, while the venue for the second Test will be confirmed early next month.

“I am delighted that the first Test will be played at Etihad Stadium and I want to thank the Victorian Coalition Government and the Victorian Major Events Company for their continued support of our sport,” Mr Demetriou said.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Louise Asher welcomed the announcement.  “Major events are a key part of what makes Melbourne a great city and I am delighted that Melbourne will host the first International Rules Test in October,” Ms Asher said. 

“Major events not only contribute to the vibrancy and liveability of Victoria, but each year, events deliver an overall annual economic benefit of approximately $1.4 billion, providing a great boost for our hotels, restaurants, taxis, bars and retailers.  The International Rules Test will play its role in boosting visitation,” Ms Asher said. 

Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade has been appointed as the new Australian coach for a two-year term, as the AFL seeks to continue the recent initiative of employing a current senior AFL coach, to ensure the best preparation of the Australian squad.

“Our contests with the Irish side have consistently seen the two teams separated only by a matter of points, with the McAnallen trophy regularly exchanging hands between ourselves and the GAA,” Mr Demetriou said.

“Last year, a young side led by Adam Goodes under the tutelage of Mick Malthouse, performed exceptionally well to come with seven-point and three-point victories in the two Tests in Limerick and Dublin, and we will have to be at our best to defeat the Irish again later this year.

Rodney Eade takes over as Australian coach after the recent appointments of Mick Malthouse and Kevin Sheedy, and he will serve as Australian coach for the next two series.

 

Mr Demetriou said the AFL was extremely pleased that a coach such standing in the game as Rodney Eade had taken on the role. 

"Rodney is the second-longest current serving coach in the game, behind only Mick Malthouse, and the appointment of Rodney is a clear message to our friends at the GAA that the AFL is determined to retain the Cormac McAnallen Cup again," he said. 

Etihad Stadium CEO Ian Collins said he was delighted an International Rules Test would again be played at the venue. 

“There was an excellent atmosphere and a healthy crowd when we last played and there is no reason why we shouldn’t see an even bigger attendance this October,” Mr Collins said.

 

“The International Rules match, played with a round ball, is a fast moving match, and under the roof our stadium always presents a fast track,” he said.