International rules veteran Garry Lyons has succeeded Dermot Brereton as Australia coach for the Autumn series against Ireland.

The former Melbourne AFL captain assumes control as the Australians seek to build on last year's victory in Ireland. Former Dublin minor and Australian Rules star Jim Stynes retains the role of assistant coach.

"I was thrilled to be asked and would say I have taken on the perfect first coaching position in that I will have elite players at my disposal. They are all highly motivated and eager for success," he said yesterday.

The dates for the series were also confirmed by the AFL yesterday, with the opening match in the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, October 12th, and the second match at Adelaide on Friday, October 19th. The MCG, the venue where Ronnie Delaney won gold at the 1956 Olympics, was chosen as it has a greater capacity than the Colonial stadium. Some 65,000 attended the Melbourne match two years ago.