Sheedy backs Rules revival

FORMER Australia manager Kevin Sheedy has praised the GAA for reviving the International Rules Series.

The former Essendon manager guided the Australians to two successive series wins in 2005 and 2006 but his tenure as manager was overshadowed by on-field violence.

Sheedy has called for both sides to remember that the series is “only a game”, albeit one with plenty of pride at stake, and has welcomed the rebirth of a relationship that began officially in 1984.

“The Irish administration needs to be commended for agreeing to play, because there was a lot of pressure on them to withdraw. They aren’t full-time players so, in reality, they don’t get too much out of it. This time I would implore them to relax and get on with it.”

That was something Sheedy claims Irish manager Sean Boylan failed to do during the last series in 2006 when emotions ran high during the controversial second test at Croke Park.

“At the height of the angst, Irish coach Sean Boylan stood on the side of the ground and absolutely went ape at me. He crossed the line and those things should never happen.

“It was important that I stood there and didn’t bite back. I wasn’t waving my jumper or slitting my throat, I just said, “move away quickly or you’ll be in trouble”.

Sheedy has also backed the decision to impose domestic suspensions on players who step out of line in the International Rules tests against Ireland, a stipulation that was critical for the GAA to get back on board.

Sheedy pointed in particular to the second test at the Telstra Dome in 2005 when, after two awful tackles on Philip Jordan and Mattie Forde, co-captain Chris Johnson was suspended for five Rules games.

“People were disappointed with what happened and we all admit Chris made a terrible error in judgement. It was a brain fade. Chris was captain of Australia and his act was over the top, which he would now acknowledge,” said Sheedy.

“It was unfortunate one of their players hit his head on the ground. The Irish aren’t used to that sort of physicality. If you get reported in this series you should be outed for home and away AFL matches and that should be made clear.”