THREE former AFL stars – including a Brownlow medallist – will join Collingwood’s Mick Malthouse on the Australian coaching panel for the 2008 International Rules Series.

Former Magpie Nathan Buckley, an AFL Ambassador who works with the AIS/AFL Academy, headlines the assistant coaches, while former West Coast champion Glen Jakovich and Carlton's Matthew Lappin are also on board for October’s two-match series.

All three former AFL stars represented Australia during their illustrious careers, with Lappin – currently a development coach at the Blues – picked to play for his country in four series.

Buckley also captained Australia in 1999.

Malthouse said the three new additions to the coaching panel were “pretty simple” selections and would each bring special strengths to the table.

“I might be silly in a lot of areas but one is not my deputies and you’ve got to get the best deputies you possibly can,” Malthouse said.

“I reckon that with the three people we’ve chosen, they’ve all played, they’re all intelligent young men, they’ve still got an active role in AFL … so in many respects it was a very, very easy decision.”

Australia will play two matches against Ireland, the first at Subiaco Oval on October 24 and the second at the MCG on October 31.

Buckley, who will join forces with his former coach for the first time since leaving the Lexus Centre, said he had no hesitation in accepting the offer.

“It’s a great experience, it’s something that I jumped at as soon as I was asked by Mick,” Buckley said.

“When I was growing up as a kid I didn’t think I’d ever have that chance to wear the Australian guernsey, so I’m a big fan of the concept.

“I loved the opportunity to play myself and I’ll enjoy the opportunity to be on the other side and help other guys make the most of their chances.”

Lappin, who admitted an International Series match could be “pretty intense” and “totally different” to what an AFL was used to, also said he relished being able to share in the national spirit that came with playing for Australia.

“As a player it was an outstanding opportunity to represent your country,” Lappin said.

“Any player who does get the opportunity will be jumping at it … the only chance you get to represent your country in this game is with this hybrid game.”