Just one Test, much later in the season, under a further modified set of rules: it is surely now the last compromise in the already heavily compromised International Rules series with Australia.
Even the promise that the opposition will this time only field players from an All Australian selection – their equivalent of the GAA All Stars – may not be enough to save the series in the long term.
GAA president Liam O’Neill admitted as much in announcing the 2014 series will be limited to one game, in Perth, on November 22nd.
“After the conclusion of the 2013 series, we expressed our genuine fears for the future of International Rules, if the best players from both countries were unable to commit to their national sides,” said O’Neill.
“Both associations agreed the one-sided nature of the last two series has had a major effect on attendances and general public interest. It is obvious to us all if this trend is not reversed in 2014, it will be difficult to argue that there is any sustainable future for the game.”
That puts a lot of expectation on Perth in November, and the 43,500-capacity Patersons Stadium, for what will be the first time in the competition's 30-year history that just one game will decide the winner. The series ran from 1984-1990 as three-Test games, before the two-Test format was adopted when the series was revived in 1998.
Modifications
The GAA and AFL have also confirmed discussions are advanced around modifications to the rules "to allow for a broader range of Australian players to be able to compete successfully" – another attempt to avoid the one-sided wins for Ireland in the two most recent series – the home side 173-72 victors last October and beating the Australians 130–65 on aggregate in the 2011 series in Australia.
O’Neill also suggested the date in late November would “assist enormously” with player availability for both camps, and would have minimal impact on the club championships at home.
It is anticipated the Ireland team will travel out at least one week in advance, and are already looking into playing a warm-up game in Melbourne.
Paul Earley will once again be in charge of the Ireland team, along with his backroom team of Tony Scullion (Derry), Séamus McCarthy (Tipperary), Jarlath Fallon (Galway) and Nicholas Walsh (Cavan and now New South Wales Giants).
The changes already agreed from an Australian perspective are far more significant. Their team will be coached by All Australian and Hawthorn club coach Alastair Clarkson, with Collingwood club president and TV broadcaster Eddie McGuire chef de mission.
Neutral ground
McGuire has already suggested a future series might be played on neutral ground, such as New York: "We have to put the prestige back into it," said McGuire. "We're not just handing out the Australian jersey to anyone."
The AFL’s general manager of football operations, Mark Evans, also spoke of the determination from their end to put life back into the dying series before it was too late.
“By limiting selection to All Australian players, by scheduling the Test later in the year, at the end of most players’ leave, and by amending the rules we believe we will field a strong and competitive Australian side that will re-establish the event’s standing in the eyes of fans,” said Evans.
“We are determined to restore the prestige and popularity of series.
“The AFL and GAA continue to believe the series is an important opportunity for players from both codes to be recognised for their elite talent, by receiving the honour of representing their country.”
Much remains to be seen, however, including how far the GAA are willing to go in further modifying the rules “to allow for a broader range of Australian players”
It appears the Australian players have already been asked for some input on that matter too.
