Essendon full-back Dustin Fletcher, who will be Australia's goalkeeper for the upcoming International Rules series, will captain his country in Saturday's first Test against Ireland.

Australian coach Kevin Sheedy has announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming Coca-Cola International Rules series against Ireland.

There was heartache for Tadhg Kennelly overnight as the Sydney Swans lost their grip on the AFL Premiership title, losing a pulsating final 85-84 to the West Coast Eagles.

Former Kerry footballer Tadhg Kennelly will play in his second AFL Grand final next Saturday after helping the Sydney Swans to a 127-92 win over Fremantle in the early hours of this morning.

KERRY native Tadhg Kennelly last night helped the Sydney Swans into their second consecutive Grand Final of the Australian Football League — the first time the club have achieved back to back decider appearances since 1936.

Australian coach Kevin Sheedy has named a speed-laden, new-look squad for the forthcoming International Rules Series with Ireland.

Tadhg Kennelly did what Ireland's greatest Aussie Rules exponent Jim Stynes failed to do in his lengthy career today - win an AFL Premiership Grand final.

SIX years after taking up Australian Rules Football, Kerry native Tadhg Kennelly will play in the sport's biggest day - the AFL Grand Final.

TAKE a moment to scrutinise yesterday’s slaughter. Ireland may have been tactically tuned, but it’s hard to avoid the conclusion the visiting Aussies committed a cardinal sin by eschewing the brute force that won them the last two Series.

Despite a total of 17 withdrawals, Australian coach Garry Lyon has insisted that his new-look squad is ready to win a third consecutive International Rules series later this month.

Ireland 48 (2-9-9) Australia 45 (1-10-9)

Ireland won the game, but Australia scored their first International Rules Series win on home soil.

JOHN O'KEEFFE and his players will be depending on increased Irish support for the crucial second test in the International Rules Series in the MCG tomorrow night.

IRISH manager John O’Keefe remains confident his side can overcome a ten points deficit and win the Fosters International Rules Series against Australia at the MCG on Friday night.

KIERAN McGEENEY is likely to be available for the crucial second test against Australia in the Fosters International Rules Series in the MCG Grounds next Friday.

IRISH manager John O’Keeffe and Gary Lyon were in agreement on one point after the Australians won last evening’s first Test the series is not over.

Australia 3-10-8 (56) Ireland 1-10-10 (46)

Australia take a 10-point lead into next weekend's second and deciding International Rules Test, thanks to three second half goals at Perth's Subiaco Oval.

Australian coach Garry Lyon has named his 27-man squad ahead of the International Rules test series against Ireland Down Under later this month.