ESSENDON'S Dustin Fletcher has been ruled out of Australia's International Rules series against Ireland.

The series, which kicks off on October 28 at Etihad Stadium, will see Australia take in a young and inexperienced squad exacerbated by the loss of Fletcher.

The Essendon defender, who has played the goalkeeper role in his six International Rules matches, has been ruled out due to an ankle complaint, the Herald Sun reports.

"Dustin is a big loss. He's one we relied on, but his ankle is a bit sore," Australia's coach Rodney Eade said.

Fletcher's absence is likely to see Gold Coast's Zac Smith or Melbourne's James Frawley take over the goalkeeping duties.

"Zac has a goalkeeping background, so he'll probably slot into that pretty neatly," Eade said.

The final 23-man squad will be selected on Thursday with Carlton's Jeff Garlett and Eddie Betts, Essendon's Angus Monfries, Hawthorn's Matt Suckling and Melbourne's Brad Green and Jack Trengove all expected to be named while The Age reports Jake King and Mitch Robinson have been added to the extended squad.

"We've got a reasonably inexperienced squad, but there's still a lot of talent there," Eade said.

"Obviously, the running ability is the main thing. It helps to have speed and repeat efforts with the continuous running. But our hands are tied a bit with the players who are unavailable.

"I'm excited about the prospect of dealing with players from different clubs. We don't get a lot of opportunities in our game to represent Australia and this is one and I think our players will be enthusiastic about that."