All Star line-up for International Rules appeals to Bernard Brogan

Bernard Brogan has given tentative support to the idea of making the Ireland International Rules squad All Stars only.

To be deemed eligible to represent Australia, the players have had to be the recipient of an All-Australian, the AFL’s version of the All Star.

Captain Brogan, one of nine current All Stars on Joe Kernan’s panel this year, said: “It’s a good idea because it shows the commitment that the AFL and Australia have given to the game, to bring out their best men. That’s what we want to play against. We have nine of the current All Stars and I’d say there’s probably five or six or seven (former All Stars). I’d say nearly all the lads have All Stars from other years but I do think it is nice because it shows a commitment from your sport that you’re putting out the right men, the top brass, to compete, to represent your country.

“As players, it gives an extra ambition that if you can get to an All Star you’ve an opportunity to play for Ireland.”

Brogan saw how much honour the Australian players took in representing their country at the teams’ dinner in Clontarf Castle on Thursday night.

“When we look back at this game, myself and Luke (Hodge, Australia captain) being players, it’s an opportunity for us to play for our country and wear the national jersey that we don’t get the opportunity very often.”

“We met the guys last night for dinner and broke bread and it was really interesting to see the guys in the blazers that you’d see the rugby guys wearing a lot.

“It was really nice to see them with pride with their national blazer on and I can guarantee you those lads wear that with pride.”