IRISH boss Anthony Tohill believes that the Australians improved skills with the round ball means his squad no longer have a clear advantage ahead of tonight’s International Rules First Test in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

AUSTRALIAN International Rules coach Mick Malthouse is ‘very hopeful’ that Down star Marty Clarke will return to Melbourne to resume his AFL career.

IRELAND boss Anthony Tohill has finalised his squad for Saturday night’s International Rules First Test in the Gaelic Grounds by drafting in Kildare defender Emmett Bolton and Offaly attacker Niall McNamee for the clash against Australia.

Mark Johnston's Malthouse made an impressive winning debut with a near three-length triumph in the EBF GL Events Owen Brown Crocker Bulteel Maiden Stakes at Ascot today.

THE AFL has confirmed that Mick Malthouse will remain as manager of the Australian International Rules side that tours Ireland in October, despite being disciplined for a “highly offensive” exchange of words with an opposition player.

ONLY now, in the reflected glory of a hugely-successful International Rules Series, with another exciting victory for Ireland in the MCG having the added symbolism of a Tyrone captain lifting the Cormac McAnallen Cup, can we appreciate the significance of the AFL’s choice of manager.

Australia have put an International Rules debutant in goal for tomorrow's first Test against Sean Boylan's Ireland side in Perth.

FORMER Australian captain Nathan Buckley supports the sanctions that have been put in place to compel players to adhere to the rules.

AUSTRALIAN coach Mick Malthouse will not ask his players to rein in their natural aggression despite the future of International Rules depending on their behaviour, while Ireland captain Seán Cavanagh described the last Series, which was marred by violence as the “low point” of his career.

AUSTRALIA’S new International Rules coach has offset his own inexperience in the hybrid code by appointing three men with first-hand knowledge of the game to his coaching staff.

MICK MALTHOUSE was yesterday confirmed as the new coach to the Australian International Rules team and the Collingwood boss has promised that there will be no repeat of the violent scenes that marred the previous two series.

Down teenager Martin Clarke made a composed start to his AFL career today as he debuted for Collingwood in their 76-57 Premiership win over Sydney Swans at the Telstra Stadium.