AFTER a standout season in the navy blue that saw him finish second in his club’s best and fairest, Carlton midfielder Marc Murphy believes his selection in the 2008 Toyota International Rules Series squad is the icing on the cake.
Murphy is looking forward to representing the green and gold and is delighted the International Rules series is back on the AFL calendar.
“It’s a great opportunity to play with guys you respect from the AFL and get to know them,” Murphy told afl.com.au.
“Representing your country is a great opportunity – I can’t wait to get out there.”
The Toyota International Rules Series makes a return after matches were abandoned following much publicised incidents both on and off the field.
In 2006, Carlton forward Brendan Fevola was sent home after an incident with an Irish barman. On the field, Irish player Graham Geraghty was knocked out by young Port Adelaide star Danyle Pearce.
The 2006 International Rules Series was also marred by incidents involving Australian co-captain and former Brisbane Lion premiership player Chris Johnson, which led to the Australian squad being labeled ‘a bunch of thugs.’
However, Murphy reiterated the aggressive nature of the previous series was in the past and the squad will represent the green and gold with the highest honour.
“I’m sure we’ll be aggressive - but not over the top,” he said.
“We want to play in the spirit of the game and that’s what we’re looking forward to.”
Murphy believed the biggest challenge will be adapting to the round ball, after he had a kick with Blues teammate Kade Simpson, also in the squad of 25.
“The biggest challenge is the round ball - it’s pretty hard to kick,” he said.
“It’ll be interesting to see how we go, the different styles of how to kick it – I’m sure we’ll find out the best way to do it over the next couple of weeks.”-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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