AFL ponder series future

THE AFL are giving serious consideration to ending their involvement in the International Rules series, the Irish Examiner has learned.

A senior figure in the organisation has admitted deep reservations were expressed about the series continuing before last Friday’s first Test. It is believed the AFL no longer see the game as financially viable, a sentiment underlined by just 22,921 people attending the opening game in Melbourne.

That number is expected to be lower at the Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium for the second and final Test this Friday. GAA Director General Páraic Duffy has warned a 10,000 attendance would put the series “in serious trouble”.