Sheedy proposes novel ‘tri-series’ idea

THE AFL and the GAA are being urged to look at changing the format of international rules football to create a “tri-series” between an indigenous Australian team (containing players of Aboriginal descent exclusively), a non-indigenous team and Ireland.

The idea is the brainchild of former Australian head coach, Kevin Sheedy, who is returning to domestic coaching with new AFL franchise, Greater Western Sydney, next year.

The outspoken Aussie Rules legend didn’t win a lot of friends in Ireland with some of his comments in 2006 and dismissed then Irish manager, Sean Boylan, as “a leprechaun” two years ago.

He has always expressed pride in his Irish ancestry though, and remains a fan of the hybrid series. He argues that a change would benefit all participants and would also give the series a more competitive aspect he argued.

“What I’d really love to see is an international rules tri-series played between indigenous Australia, non-indigenous Australia and Ireland,” Sheedy said. “It would be great for the development of the series, if the Australians and the Irish have the courage to do it. It’s an opportunity for indigenous people to be leaders of their own people on a tour to Ireland where they have never toured before. Irish people don’t know much about indigenous Australians. It should be the next step in the development in the series.

“It would be fair to say that the two groups have a lot in common. Irish people and indigenous people have had a pretty tough life.”

The former Essendon coach re-affirmed his interest in the development of international rules, revealing that he had tried to make the series a more global event during his time as coach.

“I met up with the secretary of the Gaelic Association on the East Coast of America about three years ago to talk about bringing the Australian team.

“I’ve always looked for ways to play international rules in America on the way to Ireland. I’m always looking for the chance.”