Malthouse wants a clean series
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Mick Malthouse says he wants a clean International Rules series to ensure its future (file photo). (Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
Australia coach Mick Malthouse says on-field violence is unlikely during this month's International Rules series against Ireland.
The series was almost scrapped two years ago after violent clashes between the players.
Ireland pulled out of future games before the concept was revived this year.
Malthouse says the violent scenes of 2006 will not be repeated in Perth and Melbourne.
"We'll take in players that are aggressive alright, but we'll take in players that have an understanding of sportsmanship and playing within the rules," he said after naming a 25-man squad today.
Malthouse said while Australia will not take a backward step, they will play within the rules.
"The coaches, the player group will be very much aware for this series to continue is around the way we conduct ourselves," he said.
"We have a fundamental obligation to ensure this series continues because we've played it in the right spirit and we've conducted ourselves in the right manner and we play to win."
The Australian squad features Hawthorn trio Campbell Brown, Michael Osborne and Brad Sewell.
Max Rooke is the only player selected from runner-up Geelong.
North Melbourne has the highest representation in the side with Matt Campbell, Michael Firrito, Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie and Daniel Wells all selected.
Australia will be defending the Cormac McAnallen trophy, won in Ireland in 2006.
The squad will begin preparations in Melbourne next week for a two Test series, with the first match to be played at Subiaco Oval on Friday, October 24.
The second Test will be at the MCG the following Friday.
International Rules squad: Nathan Bock (Adelaide), Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs), Jared Brennan (Brisbane Lions), Campbell Brown (Hawthorn), Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide), Matt Campbell (North Melbourne), Ryan Crowley (Fremantle), Michael Firrito (North Melbourne), Nathan Foley (Richmond), Brent Harvey (North Melbourne), Roger Hayden (Fremantle), Leigh Montagna (St Kilda), Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide), Marc Murphy (Carlton), Michael Osborne (Hawthorn), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Drew Petrie (North Melbourne), David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Max Rooke (Geelong), Brad Sewell (Hawthorn), Kade Simpson (Carlton), Adam Selwood (West Coast), Dale Thomas (Collingwood), Scott Thompson (Adelaide), Daniel Wells (North Melbourne).
