Goddard wants more international rules

Essendon veteran Brendon Goddard wants to see the International Rules series with Ireland expanded to a two or three-game contest once more.

The AFL and GAA have been called on to expand the International Rules to a multi-game series once again, now that fears over its future have been allayed after a recent lull in competition.

Violent contests a decade ago and several failed incarnations, including a two-year All-Indigenous experiment, left the concept struggling to get a foothold in the Australian sporting landscape.

The AFL threw its support behind the concept last year, changing the selection process and making All-Australian honours now a pre-requisite, resulting in a star-studded Australian lineup.

It helped revive interest in the series last year, though the two-Test format, which had been used since 1998 and replaced a three-Test series which ruled in the 1980s, was scrapped.

And now veteran Essendon star, and Australian representative, Brendon Goddard wants to revert to a longer series.

Australia's win in the one-off Test in Perth last year, a 56-46 triumph, returned the Cormac Macanallen Trophy and ended a recent period of dominance for Irish teams, but it left Goddard wanting more.

"I'd like to see at least two Tests," the 30-year-old said.

"Last year was pretty close, we started really well but the game was pretty close.

"I'm sure Ireland would've liked a second crack at the game.

"I think two games would be more reflective and really have the better team come out on top at the end of the day.

"Most teams are capable of getting up just for one game but the two games would really see which is the stronger team.

"I'm a big fan of the concept and hopefully one day we're playing two or three Tests to see who is the better team."

The selection of a team loaded with star talent is seen as a key factor in winning back the support of disenfranchised fans.

It should also help on the field, which is where Goddard believes the best work can be done in winning back fan support.

"I think the Aussies sitting back aren't going to watch a game where you're getting belted by 100 points," he said.

"Definitely the calibre of players (we've picked) they're more likely to watch."


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Source: AAP


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