When the 2006 International Rules series concluded at Dublin's Croke Park, it was amid no small amount of acrimony, with the Irish suspending all future series until its concerns – most notably over Australia's on-field aggression – were addressed.
But on Thursday the bosses of the two sporting organisations behind the concept sat side by side, speaking glowingly of how mutual respect and an open dialogue resurrected the hybrid game that will be played by the two countries on Perth's Subiaco Oval on Friday night.
"We certainly had very serious and tough negotiations, especially at our second meeting at Dubai." This from the president of the Gaelic Athletic Association Nicky Brennan, perhaps demonstrating the benefits not only of discussion but of a neutral venue too.
"But the results are a new set of playing and disciplinary rules. We are hopeful that will help clear up the difficulties of past series and they have been communicated extensively to both teams," he said.
Brennan spoke of his hope that the forthcoming series will be "engaging, physical and sporting" while paying tribute to the game's unique origins.
"It is a compromise of the two codes and in many ways it is an unusual game, but it shows the supreme sportsmanship, skill and athleticism of both individual teams and I hope we see that over the next two Fridays."
AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou also noted the hard work that had gone into bringing the series back to life and spoke warmly of his organisation's relationship with its Irish counterpart.
"All of us from the AFL and GAA have found a want and will for the series to continue and I have always stressed that regardless if it continued or not we wanted to maintain our excellent relationship with the GAA, who we have always had an enormous respect for."
The players, of course, will now replace the administrators as the game's custodians. And with total Test wins sitting at 14 apiece – as well as two draws – the concept, from a competitive point of view, could harldy be healthier; something that should please the AFL and GAA greatly.
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The 2008 Toyota International Rules Series: Australia v Ireland
First Test – Subiaco, Perth, Friday 24 October
Second Test – MCG, Melbourne, Friday 31 October
Tickets on sale now at ticketmaster.com.au, by calling 1300 136 122 or at a Ticketmaster outlet.
For full coverage of the 2008 series, click here.
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