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Aussie on-field leaders named

  • Wednesday, October 16 2013 @ 04:45 am ACDT
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International Rules

North Melbourne star Daniel Wells has been named captain of the Australian team to play Ireland on Saturday. Aaron Davey, who has retired from AFL football after ten seasons at the Melbourne football club has been named vice captain.

 Coach Michael O’Loughlin said that Wells and Davey were high quality individuals who were the perfect role models for their teammates for this historic competition.

“Daniel and Aaron are both highly regarded by their peers and have impressed everyone with their natural leadership and mentoring skills during the lead-up to the International Rules Tests,” O’Loughlin said.

“They are committed to making Australia proud when the Indigenous All-Stars take the field against the Irish team on Saturday night at Breffni Park in Cavan.”
 
The All Stars are the first All-Indigenous team to represent a national sporting code at senior level overseas since the first cricket team toured England in 1868, nearly 150 years ago.
 
Daniel Wells said the captaincy was a huge honour and that he was looking forward to leading the players out on Saturday night at Breffni Park.
 
“We all appreciate the historical significance of this series and we can’t wait to get out there. There’s a few young guys in the team and the onus is on the more experienced players to set a high standard of play,” Wells said.
 
“The Ireland team has been training together for several weeks but I’m confident that our pace, pressure and willingness to back each other up will hold us in good stead.”
 
Aaron Davey said that his role as vice-captain was unexpected and very special.
 
“In our culture we have a strong tradition of the young people respecting their elders and I’m proud to be supporting Daniel in leading the way in this International Rules Series,” Davey said.
 
“We’re all thrilled to be part of something special and I know the team will represent Australia with pride and put on an exciting show for the Irish.”