Wake up Australia

by LES EVERETT

THE International rules form of football has a lot going for it.

int rules

The Australian team celebrates its international rules win at Subiaco Oval. Photo by Les Everett.

This hybrid game is fast and flows without Australian rules type hindrances such as boundary throw-ins and ball-ups. Scoring is frequent and the possibility of high value soccer style goals adds excitement.

The games look good on TV and it wouldn't be a surprise to see other nations joining Australia and Ireland on the field - BBC sport officials have expressed their admiration for the game.

However there is a problem. It's the attitude of some of the Australian players and their inability to distinguish between aggression and violence.

International rules games should be played in good competitive spirit but it appeared to this observer at Subiaco Oval last Friday night that Matthew Scarlett, Mark Bickley, Shane Crawford, Brent Harvey and Chris Johnson in particular required little provocation to lose their cool. Scarlett's mood may not have been helped by the fact he was thrashed by a more skilful Steven McDonnell in the first quarter.

The reaction of Australian coach Garry Lyon to criticism of his team has been similar to what has been on display on the field - embarrassing,

It took the Australian cricket team 30 or so years to do something about its oafish behaviour - let's hope our footballers wake up a little earlier.

Australia 3.10.8 (56) d Ireland 1.10.10 (46)

POINTS

Australia: Barry Hall 12; Chris Johnson, Shane Crawford, Nathan Brown 6; Paul Hasleby, Lenny Hayes, Brent Harvey, Matthew Pavlich 3; Brad Johnson, Adam Simpson, Daniel Wells 1.

Ireland: Steven McDonnell 16; Brendan Coulter 10; Joe Higgins, Kevin Hughes, Padraig Joyce, Ciaran McManus, Kieran McGeeney 3; Tom Kelly 2; Stephen Kelly, Des Dolan, Brian McDonald 1.

Disclaimer