Finian Hanley says Gaelic can learn from International Rules Series laws

Finian Hanley believes two of the playing innovations introduced for last year’s International Rules Series would curb the development of Gaelic football’s most worrying trends.

The GAA and AFL yesterday confirmed Ireland would host Australia in a one-test series on Saturday, November 21.

Enshrined into law for the 2014 edition were that kick-outs had to reach the 45-metre line and players were banned from hand-passing back to their goalkeeper.

Galway footballer Hanley, who has represented Ireland in the last five tours, says both rules trialled at the Subiaco’s Patersons Stadium last November would improve Gaelic football.

The motion tabled at Congress last month to allow a player who has cleanly caught a kick-out past the 45-metre line take an unchallenged kick with the ball in hand narrowly failed in attaining a two-thirds majority.

“It is great to have the International Rules back for another year. When you look at how Gaelic football is being played now, the game could take a few rules back from the International Rules,” said Hanley.

“Last year was a huge success in terms of the rules that were trialled. I thought the two rules concerning the kick-out and not being able to handpass back to the goalkeeper were both brilliant and really improved the spectacle of the game.

“Last year’s series showed a lot of the skills we don’t see a whole pile of any more in Gaelic football. The Aussies showed us up in the kick-passing and in the taking of long-range scores.”

He continued: “I think people will realise this year the International Rules is a different spectacle to what it once was. It is more football based than it was before. When it is a whitewash for either team, people did get on top of it. The Irish players are all for it and I think if you ask any inter-county player would they like the chance to pull on the Irish shirt that they’d bite your hand off for such an opportunity. ”

Hanley believes the hybrid game would benefit from the return of a second-test match.

“We would have loved to have had another test last year. It is an awfully long way to travel for just one game. I have been on five tours. If the first game didn’t go your way, at least you had a second chance. The second games tend to be a lot tighter, and better as well. Players do want two tests.”

Australia have once again announced that only All-Australian players will be eligible for selection.

“It is extremely important that the Australian team give the best possible account of itself, as we did last year,” said AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan.

“Those players who may not be able to join us post-season will only be replaced by someone who has earned All Australian selection through his AFL career as we remain determined to ensure the prestige and popularity of the International Rules Series between Australia and Ireland.”