'No need for 3rd-year break' in Intl Rules - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

'No need for 3rd-year break' in Intl Rules

By Tom Wald 31/10/2010 12:30:28 PM Comments (0)

Australian coach Mick Malthouse says there is no need for a break in the International Rules series.

The AFL and Gaelic Athletic Association agreed last week that the 2011 series would be held in Australia before leaving the calendar free in 2012.

The series is due to recommence with a series in Ireland in 2013 and back in Australia in 2014 before 2015 is left clear.

Malthouse was a happy man on Saturday night after Australia wrapped up this year's series with a 0.14.13 (55) to 1.11.13 (52) victory at Croke Park.

"I am just disappointed there is a gap," he said.

"I am only saying that, not for a headline, all I am saying is it would be great for the player group to have it every year, but clearly, for some reason, it is not practical.

"But the players would welcome it if it was there.

"I just think the series today, look at the crowd (of more than 60,000 people) - that is a lot of people and a lot of people at home and in Ireland will have watched it.

"There was not one player that did not bust his gut for his country and I think that says it all."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou last week said both associations had "the balance right" in deciding to have every third year off.

"The (structure) was to give the players an opportunity to look forward to playing and touring instead of every two years."

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