2011 International Rules Series

December 2017 December 2017 2011 International Rules Series International Rules Series Australia Australia 50px 65 Ireland Ireland 50px 130 130–65 on aggregate, Ireland win series 2–0 First test 36 80 28 October 2011 Etihad Stadium, Melbourne Victoria Ray Chamberlain (Australia) David Coldrick (Ireland) 22,921 Second test 29 50 4 November 2011 Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast Queensland Ray Chamberlain (Australia) David Coldrick (Ireland) 12,545 2010 2013 The 2011 International Rules Series (officially the 2011 Toyota International Rules Series) was the 16th International Rules Series contested between Gaelic footballers from Ireland and Australian rules footballers from Australia. The series was played over two test matches with Ireland winning by 130-65 points on aggregate. In doing so, Ireland achieved its best winning test margin (in the first test) and greatest-ever series victory Australia recorded its lowest-ever test score in the second test. The Australian Football League (AFL) announced part of the schedule for the series in June 2011 with the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne chosen for the first test match. In July, the AFL announced that Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast would be the venue for the second test. This was the first time any stadium in Queensland hosted an International Rules game. The first test was played on 28 October 2011, with the second test played a week later on 4 November 2011. Broadcast Network Ten and its multi-channel affiliate One HD broadcast the series to Australian audiences.http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125092/default.aspx Cool Cats lead young Aussies https://web.archive.org/web/20111020111910/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125092/default.aspx 20 October 2011 14 October 2011 Jennifer dead Witham The first test match was delayed in all metropolitan areas of Australia while the second test was broadcast live to Melbourne and Sydney audiences, and delayed elsewhere.Broadcast Guide https://web.archive.org/web/20111014093731/http://www.afl.com.au/broadcast%20guide/tabid/9451/default.aspx 2011-10-14 ; Irish-language channel TG4 broadcast the series live in Ireland while the English-language network RTÉ showed an hourly highlights show as was the case for the 2010 series in Ireland.International Rules Sponsors Confirmed https://web.archive.org/web/20100604022538/http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0106101451-international-rules-series-sponsors-confirmed 2010-06-04 ; Background Irish team Former Derry Gaelic footballer Anthony Tohill returned as Ireland manager after the 2010 series loss. He was joined on the coaching and selection staff by Eoin Liston (Kerry), Kevin O'Brien (Wicklow), Seán Óg de Paor (Galway) and Kieran McGeeney (Armagh), all former international rules players.Tohill names preliminary Rules panel https://web.archive.org/web/20111006095752/http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/gaa/2011/1005/1224305313948.html 6 October 2011 ; On 12 October, Tohill named 18 players of a 23-man squad (later to become 24) and confirmed, subject to club commitments, that Stephen Cluxton would be the Ireland captain.http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/cluxtons-vow-of-silence-is-no-issue-for-tohill-2902867.html Cluxton's vow of silence is no issue for Tohill 12 October 2011 Irish Independent 12 October 2011http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/1011/ireland.html Cluxton & Kennelly named in Ireland squad 12 October 2011 RTÉ Sport 12 October 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111012001757/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/1011/ireland.html 12 October 2011 Four further players were named on the 15th of October.Laois duo among four added to Irish IRS squad https://web.archive.org/web/20111019101427/http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=156548 19 October 2011 ; Current Sydney Swans player Tommy Walsh joined the squad as the last selected player. Also, Donegal footballer Karl Lacey replaced Darren O'Sullivan in the selected squad due to the latter's club commitments. Doubts remained over the availability of several other players due to club football commitments.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/15365297.stm Donegal's Karl Lacey added to Ireland Rules squad 19 October 2011 BBC Sport Northern Ireland 19 October 2011 20 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111020182011/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/15365297.stm deadhttp://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1019/1224306073567.html 'I don't understand why this can't be avoided. You might only get one chance to play for your country' 19 October 2011 Irish Times=accessdate=19 October 2011 19 October 2011 19 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111019145849/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1019/1224306073567.html live However, few changes were necessary as Patrick Kelly of Cork was called up to complete the 24-man squad.Kelly called up to Ireland squad https://web.archive.org/web/20111022144351/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/1020/ireland.html 2011-10-22 Australian team Former Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade was named the coach and manager of the Australian team in March.Eade to coach Australia against Ireland https://web.archive.org/web/20110626080956/http://www.sportsnewsfirst.com.au/articles/2011/06/24/eade-to-coach-australia-against-ireland/ 2011-06-26 ; He is joined on the coaching staff by former Richmond footballer Wayne Campbell (selector), as well as former players Andrew McLeod and Brad Johnson while Collingwood sports science director David Buttifant will be in charge of the team's preparation for the series.http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/zac-smith-to-get-goal-role-for-the-international-rules-tests-against-ireland/story-e6frf9jf-1226165375647 Zac Smith to get goal role for the International Rules Tests against Ireland 13 October 2011 Herald Sun 13 October 2011http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125072/default.aspx Ward set for Irish test 13 October 2011 AFL.com.au 13 October 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111014034537/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125072/default.aspx 14 October 2011 The Australian team was announced on the 13th of October, minus an announced captain or leadership squad. The team had talented young players aged 20–24, yet only four players (David Wojcinski, Stephen Milne, Brad Green, and James Frawley) had prior senior international rules experience.Callan Ward named in Aussie squad; Melbourne footballer Colin Sylvia was initially selected for the team, yet he was withdrawn due to inappropriate off-field behaviour, diminishing the Australian squad to 23.Police quiz Sylvia after crash https://web.archive.org/web/20111024054542/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125412/default.aspx 2011-10-24 ; Brad Green, the captain of the Melbourne Football Club, was announced as the captain of Australia on the 25th of October. The announcement was leaked via Max Gawn on Twitter before the official AFL announcement was made.Green honoured to be Aussie skipper James Kelly, Andrew Swallow, and James Frawley were named as vice-captains.http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2011-10-25/green-to-lead-aussies Green to lead Aussies 10 January 2017 10 January 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170110153052/http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2011-10-25/green-to-lead-aussies live The series was played over two test matches with Ireland winning by 130-65 points on aggregate. In doing so, Ireland achieved their greatest-ever winning test margin (in the first test) and greatest-ever series victory whilst Australia had their lowest-ever test score in the second test. Squads AUS 30px Australia IRE 30px Ireland Name Team Position Name Team Position Rodney Eade Western Bulldogs Coach Anthony Tohill Derry Coach 18. Brad Green Melbourne Captain 1. Stephen Cluxton Dublin Captain (Goalkeeper) 8. James Frawley Melbourne Vice Captain 18. Ciaran McKeever Armagh Vice Captain 9. James Kelly Geelong Cats Vice Captain 9. Pearce Hanley Brisbane Lions 4. Andrew Swallow North Melbourne Vice Captain 4. Eoin Cadogan Cork 31. Matt Suckling Hawthorn Goalkeeper 6. Kieran Donaghy Kerry 15. Robbie Gray Port Adelaide 7. Leighton Glynn Wicklow 28. Jake King† Richmond 8. Finian Hanley Galway 21. Ben McGlynn Sydney Swans 3. Emmet Bolton Kildare 13. Trent McKenzie Gold Coast Suns 11. Darren Hughes Monaghan 44. Stephen Milne St Kilda 14. Tadhg Kennelly Sydney Swans 6. Angus Monfries Essendon 16. Steven McDonnell Armagh 16. Robin Nahas Richmond 19. Kevin McKernan Down 7. Mark Nicoski West Coast Eagles 20. Joe McMahon Tyrone 11. Mitch Robinson Carlton 21. Neil McGee Donegal 3. Liam Shiels Hawthorn 23. Michael Murphy Donegal 2. Zac Smith Gold Coast Suns 15. Karl Lacey** Donegal 5. Shaun Grigg Richmond 27. Kevin Reilly Meath 26. Richard Douglas Adelaide 30. Aidan Walsh Cork 10. Jack Trengove Melbourne 28. Zach Tuohy Carlton 17. Bernie Vince Adelaide 2. Colm Begley Laois 14. Callan Ward GWS Giants 22. Brendan Murphy Carlow 40. David Wojcinski Geelong Cats 5. Eamonn Callaghan Kildare 29. Easton Wood Western Bulldogs 31. Tommy Walsh Sydney Swans 24. Joel Patfull† Brisbane Lions 13. Patrick Kelly Cork **These players replaced other players initially selected in the squad who withdrew from the series due to club football commitments † Jake King was injured in the first test and was replaced for the second test by Joel Patfull The following players withdrew from the series: Darran O'Sullivan (Kerry - GAA), Colin Sylvia (Melbourne - AFL) Matches 2011 International Rules Series – Test 1 Friday, 28 October 2011 Australia 0.1.1 (4) 1.4.2 (20) 1.5.5 (26) 1.8.6 (36) Green Milne 2, Douglas, Nahas, Robinson, Gray, Monfries, Green Milne, Vince, Douglas, Kelly, Green King (knee), Shiels (thigh) A Ireland 1.5.1 (22) 2.9.5 (44) 2.14.5 (59) 4.17.5 (80) Glynn, Callaghan, McDonnell 4, T. Walsh 3, Donaghy 2, McKernan 2, M. Murphy 2, Glynn 2, Kennelly, B. Murphy McDonnell, Cluxton, Hanley, Donaghy, T. Walsh, Kennelly Bolton (concussion), Donaghy (calf) Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria 22,921 Ray Chamberlain (Australia) & David Coldrick (Ireland) TBA The opening test of the series was played at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, the second time the venue had hosted an international rules game, with the first match in 2005. In front of a crowd of 22,921, Ireland beat their Australian opponents by a record 44-point margin. The margin was the biggest in the series history, eclipsing the 38-point Australian win in the second test of the 2006 Series.Ireland romps home https://web.archive.org/web/20111029143318/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125643/default.aspx 2011-10-29 Ireland's score of 80 points was also the biggest Irish score in the history of the series, whilst Australia's 36 points was the lowest Australian score since 1990. Ireland took a quick lead, scoring 4 'overs' and 1 goal before Australia managed a major score. Leading by 18 points at the first break, Ireland increased their lead in the second quarter and dominated Australia in general possession. The home side scored their first goal of the series, with captain Brad Green making the most of an error from Irish skipper and goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton. The third quarter briefly erupted with a fight as Ireland's Kevin Reilly approached the Australian huddle after a break in play as a result of a concussion to Emmet Bolton. The ensuing fight was stopped and no player was reported or sent off. Australia failed to threaten despite some improved possession in the midfield, as Ireland scored 5 overs to 1 in the quarter. The fourth quarter saw goals for Leighton Glynn and Kieran Donaghy extending the lead.http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/ireland-roll-over-pathetic-aussies-2920508.html Ireland roll over pathetic Aussies 30 October 2011 31 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111031013941/http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/ireland-roll-over-pathetic-aussies-2920508.html live Ireland manager Anthony Tohill stated post-match that the experience of Ireland's AFL players was "huge",AFL experience huge: Tohill https://web.archive.org/web/20111029143413/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125646/default.aspx 2011-10-29 whilst his opposite number Rodney Eade lamented his side's lack of physicality, stating that the Australians were "too nice" in attempting to maintain the spirit of the game. He praised the "kicking skills" of the Irish team and promised a more physical Australian side for the second test.Aussies 'too nice' https://web.archive.org/web/20111029143408/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125645/default.aspx 2011-10-29 2011 International Rules Series – Test 2 Friday, 4 November 2011 Australia 0.2.2 (8) 0.6.5 (23) 0.6.6 (24) 0.7.8 (29) Nil Smith 3, Green 2, McGlynn, Robinson Kelly, Frawley, Smith, Vince Nil A Ireland 0.3.3 (12) 1.8.4 (34) 1.10.5 (41) 1.13.5 (50) Glynn McDonnell 3, T.Walsh 3, Donaghy 2, M.Murphy 2, Kennelly, Callaghan, McMahon Walsh, Begley, Kennelly, McDonnell Nil Metricon Stadium, Gold Coast, Queensland 12,545 Ray Chamberlain (Australia) & David Coldrick (Ireland) TBA *Ireland win series 130–65 on aggregate Jake King of Australia was ruled out before the second test due to a knee injury that would also disrupt his pre-season training for Richmond.http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/knee-injury-rules-jake-king-out-of-australias-second-international-rules-match-against-ireland/story-e6frf33l-1226181189209 King out of second IR match 31 October 2011 10 August 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220810231712/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/knee-injury-rules-jake-king-out-of-australias-second-international-rules-match-against-ireland/story-e6frf33l-1226181189209 live Brisbane Lions footballer Joel Patfull replaced him in the sideIn no doubt https://web.archive.org/web/20111104145737/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125769/default.aspx 2011-11-04 Another disappointing crowd of 12,545 attended the match, making the cumulative crowd of approximately 35,000, one of the lowest in series history. Ireland were superior for the duration of the match, leading every quarter and pulling away thanks to a clever goal from Leighton Glynn in the second quarter.Irish rules https://web.archive.org/web/20111106213333/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125808/default.aspx 2011-11-06 Trailing by 11 points at halftime, Australia managed just one over for the rest of the match, as Ireland's superior finishing skills proved decisive again. The third quarter descended into virtual madness, however, with several minor fights and scuffles very nearly turning into genuine brawls. In total, five players were yellow-carded (sent off for 10 minutes) in a spiteful third quarter. Ireland wrapped up the test in the last quarter, finishing with three overs to one and recording a 21-point test match win, and a 65-point series victory (130-65 on aggregate).http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1105/1224307105964.html Ireland's domination complete 5 November 2011 5 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111105082822/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1105/1224307105964.html live Whilst continual speculation remained over the immediate future of the series, on account of supposed Australian apathy, in terms of crowd attendance and player interest, GAA director general Paraic Duffy announced that the series would resume as planned in the years 2013 and 2014.http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1105/1224307106263.html Duffy announces agreement on intention to hold further series in 2013 and '14 5 November 2011 5 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111105211715/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1105/1224307106263.html live After this series, Geelong premiership midfielder James Kelly was awarded the Jim Stynes Medalhttp://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/rules-may-need-luck-of-irish-to-survive-20111105-1n0pm.html Rules may need luck of Irish to survive 5 November 2011 6 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111106151343/http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/rules-may-need-luck-of-irish-to-survive-20111105-1n0pm.html live for being Australia's best player, whilst dual All-Ireland and AFL Premiership medalist Tadhg Kennelly won the GAA Medal for being the Irish player of the series.Tadhg's jig may not be up https://web.archive.org/web/20111107062028/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125831/default.aspx 2011-11-07 See also International rules football Gaelic football Australian rules football Comparison of Australian rules football and Gaelic football References 2 International Rules series International Rules Series Category:International Rules series Category:International sports competitions hosted by Australia Category:International sports competitions on the Gold Coast, Queensland Category:October 2011 sports events in Australia Category:November 2011 sports events in Australia