The AFL is interested in taking the International Rules series to the United States.
A star-studded Australian outfit will take on Ireland in a one-off Test match at Perth’s Patersons Stadium on Saturday but the future of the hybrid game series is under a cloud.
The Irish comprehensively outplayed the Australians in the past two series in 2011 and 2013 – winning all four Tests, including a 79-point drubbing in last year’s second game.
Earlier this year the Gaelic Athletic Association expressed doubt about International Rules’ future.
While the future of the concept appears to be on the wane, AFL football operations manager Mark Evans said the two countries should be embracing expansion and use it to showcase the game overseas.
“If this (match) is successful, and our players and our staff across the league are prepared to commit to it, then we’d like to make it a showcase event,” Evans said ahead of talks this week with the GAA.
“The timeframe might be every second year, every third year or every year if there’s enough support.
“We think there’s an opportunity to take the game to the United States, maybe play in Central Park in New York, on our way towards Ireland.
“We’ll talk to the Irish during their time in Australia.”
The Australians were well-beaten in recent series, prompting them to limit selection this year to players who had earned All-Australian honours.
Australian coach Alastair Clarkson has also added former Sydney Swans defender and Irish representative Tadhg Kennelly to his staff.
“(Kennelly) is going to be perfect for us, I’ve had a few kicks with him throughout the break and getting used to the styles that they use, the way the Irish play and ways we can counter that,” Sydney captain Jarrad McVeigh said.
While previous Australian sides had been affected by player unavailability, Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak said all squad members had shown enthusiasm for the match.
“Everyone’s really excited to be here,” Boak said.
“As soon as we had a chat about the best players in the comp playing and being involved, then everyone put their hand up and just wanted to be a part of it.”
