International Rules series 'in jeopardy'

AUSSIE RULES bosses have warned that the International Rules series against Ireland is at risk and called upon the 16 AFL clubs to support the hybrid game.

Conceding that the recent tour of Ireland by a depleted Australian team was "poorly supported" by clubs, the league's chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the series was in danger of going the way of the defunct State of Origin competition.

Demetriou addressed AFL football managers, coaches and some club chief executives five days ago and the topic is expected to be raised again at today's meeting of the 16 club presidents and chief executives.

Demetriou told the clubs the 2004 series could raise about $800,000 for the AFL with the massive gate takings from the well-attended Croke Park games - both of which Ireland won - and that they risked not only potential club revenue but a golden opportunity to market and develop the game internationally.

The AFL boss said the clubs' lack of enthusiasm for the series - 17 All-Australian players were unavailable for the trip and at least that number again turned down the opportunity to play - could lead to coaches being increasingly unwilling to make their players available for the October competition, scheduled to be held here in 2005.

And the AFL has opened up the bidding among senior club coaches to find a replacement for outgoing coach Garry Lyon. League football operations general manager Adrian Anderson told the coaches they could apply to coach the 2005 international rules team.

Not only was the Australian touring team forced to scrounge for players this year and humiliated by Ireland in the first game, but the preparation and handling of the trip was criticised by clubs concerned their elite players were being unnecessarily placed at risk of injury.

The touring team also struggled with the perception it was enjoying a junket - something Demetriou vehemently denied.