MELBOURNE coach Paul Roos has questioned the timing of the one-off International Rules Test between Australia and Ireland.
The game has been scheduled for Saturday 22 November in Perth, later than previous series, which have traditionally been held in October.
Roos believes it goes against the grain of what the AFL Players' Association has done to ensure players have a set window for annual leave.
"I'm probably a little bit surprised at the timing of it, when it's going to be played, and in relation to what the Players' Association allow their players to do with the clubs," Roos said on Thursday.
"My understanding would be they may be playing International Rules but the clubs wouldn't be able to have access to them in that period.
"I find that a little bit strange just on the basis of what the Players' Association have set up for their constituents."
Under the players' collective bargaining agreement there are now strict rules in place preventing clubs from having players return to training any earlier that what's agreed to in their contract.
But Roos, who has previously taken part in the International Rules Series, does believe there's still a place for the representative hybrid format.
"I think it's quite significant for the players that they get a chance to associate with great players and train with great players and see how they prepare," Roos said.
"As a concept, I'm 100 per cent behind it."
The AFL is attempting to reinvigorate International Rules once again, with Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson on board to coach this year's Australian side.
Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury was one of the 10 players consulted about the new format and he said he was more than happy to support the idea.
"I was very excited to hear some of the names I would play with ... and to be coached by Alastair Clarkson - I certainly put my hand up," Pendlebury said on Thursday afternoon.
"Any time you can represent Australia, every player treats that with a great amount of pride."
The IRS will have special significance if he can play alongside Hawthorn spearhead, and childhood friend, Jarryd Roughead.
"I'd love to play with Jarryd Roughead - I grew up with Roughy and played a lot of basketball against him."
"It would be great - two country boys representing Australia together, I'd love that."
To be eligible, players must have been named in the All Australian team at some point in their career.
