Indigenous All Stars squad named

Hawthorn forward Franklin, Fremantle midfielder Stephen Hill and Swans Adam Goodes and Lewis Jetta were among the stars named in coach Michael O’Loughlin’s squad on Thursday.

Essendon were the best represented club with five players.

Bombers ruckman Paddy Ryder was included alongside teammates Courtenay Dempsey, Alwyn Davey, Leroy Jetta and Nathan Lovett-Murray in the squad that will be trimmed to touring party of 21 after the AFL grand final.

Melbourne’s Aaron Davey – the older brother of Alwyn who recently announced his retirement – was also included in the squad.

Ireland will host two International Rules Tests – in Cavan on October 19 and at Dublin’s Croke Park on October 26.

Player participation and support for the hybrid international game has been a growing concern in the AFL, and the League is confident that switching to an All-Indigenous team will change that.

Franklin and Goodes, who captained the Australian 2010 touring team that won the series 2-0, were on hand at Thursday’s announcement and both expected the stars to line up for Australia.

“We’re very confident that all our best players will be available to play for Australia, and why wouldn’t they?” said Franklin.

“It’s going to be an unbelievable experience.

“It’s something we’ll never forget.

“The AFL’s really backed us in terms of this tour, so we’re looking forward to getting over to Ireland.”

Swans great Michael O’Loughlin, who will coach the indigenous side in the two-game series, announced the 33-man squad on Thursday from which his final side of 21 will be chosen from to tour Ireland.

It is stocked full of some of the best talent in the game, including Franklin, Adam Goodes, Paddy Ryder, Daniel Wells and Andrew Walker.

Goodes, who is currently sidelined by a knee injury, joked that he was intentionally resting so he could participate in the IRS.

But it is a serious matter for the dual Brownlow medallist, who will make the trip whether or not he can play and has been a driving force behind the concept, along with Franklin and Shaun Burgoyne.

The IRS has struggled in recent years, with a team of modest AFL talent well-beaten 2-0 in Australia in the last series back in 2011.

“That’s what I’m resting up for now, to make sure I’m right for the International Series,” Goodes told reporters at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Sydney.

“To be able to represent our country and our people and our community, it’s going to be an awesome experience for all the players that get to go.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen with the rest of the season, but I’m here today promoting the fact I’ll definitely be going to Ireland, whether I’m playing or not.

“It’s a concept that we have fought long and hard for this year and to have the backing of Mark Evans and (Andrew) Demetriou to represent everybody back here in Australia is a huge honour and we’ll be going over there to win.”

Franklin is also right behind the concept.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “It’s been a long process in terms of getting this going, but it’s been player-driven by me and Goodesy and Shaun Burgoyne’s been a big part of it too.

“The AFL has really backed it too so we’re just looking forward to getting over to Ireland.”