Eade takes over from Mick Malthouse, who led the Aussies to a series win in the Emerald Isle last October.
Malthouse also presided over Australia's series loss to the Irish at home in 2008.
"I think the International Rules series is great for our game," Eade told afl.com.au on Thursday.
"I think, when it first started, there was some trepidation from people, but when we had that hiatus with it, there seemed to be a genuine push to get it back.
"It's great for our players to represent Australia."
Eade was recently approached by AFL Coaches' Association chief executive Danny Frawley about replacing Malthouse.
"I hadn't really thought about it, but I said that if I was considered, I would certainly be interested in talking about it," Eade explained.
"Danny and [AFL football operations manager] Adrian Anderson then asked me to consider doing the job.
"I spoke to my family and my club and they were all ok about it. From my point of view, I was honoured to be able to do it. It was an honour to be asked."
Eade will coach Australia in this year's International Rules series and will also be at the helm when the team travels to Ireland in 2013.
"As coaches, we all love the game and this is another great experience," he said. "I think it's certainly seen as a big honour to coach Australia.
"To get the opportunity to meet some players from other clubs is something I'm really looking forward to.
"It's an ambassadorial role as well - to promote goodwill between the AFL and the Gaelic game.
"It's a lot about entertainment, and you want to win, but at the same time you don't want to treat the games with disrespect.
"I think the series has a lot of positives for our two countries."
