Voss, Fevola are Ireland-bound - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Voss, Fevola are Ireland-bound

By Sam Lienert 12/10/2006 05:33:25 PM Comments (0)

Newly-retired Brisbane captain Michael Voss and Carlton's Coleman Medallist Brendan Fevola will tour Ireland, but St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt is out of the upcoming International Rules series.

Voss has been added to the squad, with coach Kevin Sheedy having left one spot open when naming his squad on Tuesday, as the Brisbane great was yet to commit to the series.

Sheedy was forced into another change, the call-up of Fevola, after Riewoldt chose to withdraw.

The Saints' key forward chose to stay in Melbourne to be with his team as newly appointed coach Ross Lyon takes over the reins.

Despite Voss having spent 15 seasons in the AFL, this will be his International Rules debut, but Sheedy was hopeful it might be only the start of his involvement.

"He will be a terrific leader for us and this will also give him a great opportunity to represent Australia off the field," Sheedy said.

"I played for Australia in 1978, at around the same stage of my career.

"That series under my belt helped my development to later go into coaching and selecting teams. You never know where this may lead Michael in his future off-field career."

Voss announced his AFL retirement after 289 games last week, saying his 31-year-old body could take no more.

But Sheedy was confident the triple AFL premiership captain would cope with the demands of the hybrid game.

"The International Rules game goes for around 75 minutes and this was about the time that Michael spent on the ground this year for the Lions per game.

"Michael has assured me that he's fully committed and wants to go and he also told me that if it was a choice between him and a young player, that we should take the young player on the tour.

"However, I told him the squad already has plenty of youth and we want to be able to draw on his experience."

The two Tests are scheduled for Galway on October 28 and Dublin on November 5.

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