Aussies gear up for series against Irish
Ryan Crowley and Adam Selwood admit Australia will need to keep their emotions in check when the international series between Australia and Ireland resumes.
The hybrid game was brought to a halt in 2006 following a spiteful series that resulted in a number of players suffering injuries in violent on-field incidents.
The series was also marred by Brendan Fevola's alleged assault of an Irish barman, which resulted in the Carlton spearhead being sent home to Australia in disgrace.
When asked if this series, due to commence on October 24 with the first Test at Subiaco Oval, could boil over, Selwood replied: "Guys understand that for the betterment of the game we've got to keep our feelings intact but ... once you pull on the Australian jumper and see the ball, you just never know what's going to happen I guess."
Selwood felt the difference between AFL and Gaelic football made it hard in some instances to find a middle ground, especially in regards to the hip and shoulder which is part and parcel of AFL football.
"That's our game and not part of theirs," Selwood said.
"So it's just a sense of obviously pull yourself back at times, but when the ball's there in your area, as competitive as all of us guys are, usually we just go 100 per cent and you just see what happens.
"None of us go out there to intentionally hurt an Irish player, it's just a contrast in the sports.
"Being professional, we are a lot stronger than what they are whereas they probably read the game a lot better."
Crowley said Australia's players may need to tone down their aggression, which has marred past series.
"When you pull on that Australian jumper it's a weird sort of feeling - you sort of get that sense of playing for your country and you've got the whole country looking at you, so it is pretty fiery," Crowley said.
"I think in the last series the Irish gave as good as they got, but I suppose with all the press that came along with what happened with the last series we might have to tone it down a little bit."
To prevent further on-field violence, the AFL has promised that any suspensions incurred in the international rules series would be served in the following year's home-and-away season.
"If you are going to step over the mark you've got to pay the consequences," Crowley said.
Post a comment about this article
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.