International Rules Series hinges on ‘Australian attitude change’

THE future of the International Rules Series depends on the Australian Football League adopting a more serious approach to discipline and specifically a changed “attitude” from their team management.

GAA Director-General Liam Mulvihill admitted: “There is so much in the hands of the Australian coach in terms of their attitude — that is the critical element. I found over the years — and especially in the second Test — they tend to lose the run of themselves if it’s all to play for, and discipline isn’t as important an issue then. There has to be a real penalty on the players and indeed on the people in charge of them.”

Mr Mulvihill said of last year’s ill-tempered series: “I don’t blame the players because I am sure they were working to instructions, nor do I blame the match officials, even though their attempts to impose the disciplinary rules were not successful.