International Rules: Fair game?

After the controversial International Rules series in Ireland, Luke Mason argues that it is time to drop the cross-code clashes.

It seems that for the past few years, every International Rules series has been followed, and in some cases tarred, by the ‘professionals (Australians) vs the amateurs (Ireland)’.

However, since physical natured Brisbane Lion star and Australian co-skipper Chris Johnson suffered from a brain explosion at the Telstra Dome last October, the game, the concept, has been thrown into a state of controversy, evoking bitter angst from both countries, the Irish camp, in particular.

With each passing year, the publicity of the game steps up a new level, and, so it seems, the physicality. This time last year I was somewhat ‘displeased’, for want of a better word, with regard to the actions of Johnson, his errant right arm not tolerated in the AFL let alone an IR Series, and prompted a five match spell on the sidelines, all but ensuring that he will never again don the green, gold and navy blue.

I watched the First Test last Sunday, and was surprised at the lack of physicality and fire in the contest. I appeared the Australians were hesitant to exert their influence the way they know best, and instead took their time to feel their way through the first half by possessing the ball. There were, of course, a few minor scuffles, which is to be expected when two countries meet one another in a contact sport, but hardly anything serious.

But an obvious indicator to a whole new ball game could be smelt a mile off midweek, when Western Bulldog Lindsay Gillbee, a veteran of the previous series, and one who came under fire from the Irish in the First Test, announced that the Irish would receive some bruises with interest the following Sunday. A fair enough challenge, it could be said, considering the ‘roughhouse’ treatment Gillbee wore from renowned Irish hardman Graham Geherity.

I am yet to see the Second Test, I was away without TV coverage all weekend, and arrived home to log on to the internet to discover the result. Now the Official AFL Website provides its followers with good coverage of its brand, however, to see the official body painted with articles quoting angry coaches and players told me that something big had been stirred over the weekend.

As it turned out, six players were sent off the field in the opening term alone, Australia’s Chance Bateman, Nick Davis and Adam Selwood sentenced to 15 minute spells on the pine, while home towners Paul Galvin and Aidan O'Mahoney were also shown the yellow card in twenty minutes of mayhem.

From what I’ve seen on the news and via highlight packages, it is clear that it was on for young and old. A bit of push and shove is fine, and great to see. Although genuine fist fights which the Irish elude to are not.

As has been said on a number of occasions, the Irish are simply amateurs, they have day jobs, filled from 9-5 every week day. Are they going to be as strong as a Barry Hall, a Campbell Brown, Brendan Goddard or a Michael Voss (I am not suggesting that either of the four mentioned above are guilty of any wrong doing)? All are terrific footballers, but really should be allowed to pit their skills and strength against their equals, via the outlet of State of Origin football.

Of course, the injury which has sparked anger among the Irish is the concussion suffered from Geherity, who was viciously slung to ground by the smallest, lightest man in Australian colours, Port Adelaide’s Danyle Pearce. Whilst his tackle was in good spirit, and legal in our own brand, in International Rules, it is not. A free kick should have been, and was, the only form of reprimand. Unfortunately, the movement saw the Irishman lose consciousness for 12 minutes; to be blunt, it’s unlikely he’ll be at work for a while yet.

Are the Australians at fault for the goings on, as the Irish would have you believe? Or is it mutual, as Kevin Sheedy told a rabid Irish press gathering? I’m unsold, as it takes two to tango, and from the excerpts I’ve seen, both had their say in some unsavoury incidents.

Were Ireland standing up for themselves? Perhaps, and if so, it isn’t the way to go about searching for respect.

Whatever the reasoning, it appears that the very concept is on shaky ground, and why wouldn’t it be? The fighting isn’t a great advertisement for the series, and only stokes the fires of those who would prefer to call and end to the series, which has been growing in stature since its return back in 1998.

It is sad to see the game go down this path, as it only creates angst between the two countries, and it does tarnish the reputation of the game, and blank out the excellent performances from both sides in the years leading up to the incumbent series. From 2000 to 2003, some excellent Test Matches were displayed, the epic 2002 series a case in point.

Watching selected interviews last night, I couldn’t help but feel a hint of remorse for the Irish, who appeared clearly distressed. Captain Kieran McGeeney’s words striking a chord.

“If you want to box, say you want to box. We’ll put on our gloves, we’ll go bare knuckle, whatever the case may be. But if we play football, we play football.”

No matter who is at fault, it is unfair on both countries to be playing one another. Sure, the games are splendid spectacles at their best, but the Irish are fighting out of their weight division, and the Australians need to properly match their skills with their AFL foes, via the resurrection of State of Origin.

Maybe in 10, 20 or 30 years the Gaelic footballers will have reached a state of professionalism capable of matching the Australians? Perhaps we will then be privileged to watch a far more evenly matched contest. Time will tell.

I’m as passionate about Australian sport as anyone else, and was barracking for my side, hoping that we’d retain the Cormac McAnnallan Trophy. A physical game is a good one, and playing tough is fine, but only if you play fair. I’m not pointing the finger at anyone, however, the series victory will forever been remembered for the mass unevenness between the two sides, and the angst it provoked, for better or worse.

I’m proud of the Australian side and the players in it, all are fine players. However, I cannot help but feel compassionate for our Irish counterparts. Perhaps it’s time for a rethink on the concept, and the revival of State of Origin football, the series taking place, say, every four years, when, in time, the codes will evolve.

The ramifications which will resonate between the two countries in the coming weeks will make for interesting reading. One hopes that a positive outcome is reached.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!