IMAGINE taking an International Rules test between Australia and Ireland to New York.
Sound like a good old Irish joke? Well, it's not.
It's the kind of idea you get when Eddie McGuire comes on board any project.
All Australian reps only for International Rules Test
From his passion as Collingwood president and the republican movement or the Big Bash cricket - whatever it is, Eddie makes news.
And it's clearly the reason the AFL has secured his services in its latest attempt to revive the struggling International Rules format.
"We have to put the prestige back into it, we're not just handing out the Australian guernsey to anyone," McGuire said at Wednesday's announcement.
All Australians: full list of eligible International Rules players
"Maybe we play Australia versus Ireland in New York City just as The Galahs did under Harry Beitzel when people like Ron Barassi and Bob Skilton and Ted Whitten were running around and saying this was the greatest moment in their lives," he said.
"(There is) a big Irish-Australian populations in New York City."
New York might not be so far fetched. The Gaelic Athletic Association does have a close relationship with the Big Apple, including a stadium dedicated to the code.
But McGuire's ideas are seemingly endless.
"Maybe we train in Barcelona, maybe we have a major function in London or in Dublin as a trade fair, bringing the best of Australian business and what we do as a tourism destination," he said.
And then there's Warney.
McGuire says Australia's legendry spin king Shane Warne wants to get on board, getting in touch after a brief mention of Wednesday's IRS re-launch on radio.
"Within 0.5 of a second the world's greatest texter and spinner had sent through a message saying he'd like to be our international ambassador and facilitator of fun on our trip overseas," McGuire said.
"Straight away Warney had picked up the nuance that was different. This was the best of the best representing Australia. Not the AFL, representing Australia," he said.
The AFL will be desperately hoping McGuire's passion helps reignite the series, but the League is yet to formally commit to anything beyond this year's one off test in Perth.
Patersons Stadium will host the game between Australian and Ireland on Saturday 22 November.
