New rules for the AFL’s international selection will see old Greek Australian players in the running to play in Alastair Clarkson’s Australian side to face Ireland later this year.
The revamped International Rules format means only past and present All-Australian players will be eligible for selection.
The likes of former All-Australian players Anthony Koutoufides and Angelo Lekkas could be considered in the team, which has struggled to get a strong following of late.
The AFL’s inability to secure the involvement of the best Australian players has hurt the country’s chances in the Tests and public interest in them over the years.
Both the 2013 and 2011 teams suffered monstrous losses in the two-test series.
“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,” AFL football operations manager Mark
Evans said.
The league has opened up a dialogue with a number of the game’s top stars in an attempt to get marquee stars back on board.
The sides will play a one-off Test at Subiaco Oval on November 22 and the AFL is hoping the most recent change to the format will revive the flagging rivalry.
