GIANTS forward Toby Greene has been selected in the Australian squad for the 2017 Virgin Australia International Rules Series to be played in Adelaide and Perth next month.
Greene becomes just the second GIANT to be selected in the prestigious series that pits some of the AFL’s highest profile players against the best Irish Gaelic Footballers.
An obstacle for many AFL players in the past is getting used to playing with a round Gaelic football, however Greene will have some familiarity with the round ball given his passion for soccer.
The 24-year-old can also draw on the experience of GIANTS teammate Brett Deledio and the recently retired Steve Johnson who represented Australia in previous series.
GIANTS assistant coach Nick Walsh, who looks after Team Defence, played for county Cavan and has been a part of the Irish coaching staff in recent seasons could also offer some words of advice to Greene.
Greene’s selection comes off as the AFL continues its policy of selecting only All Australian players, which was introduced ahead of the one-off test in 2014.
The 2016 All Australian half-forward had an outstanding 2017 season, playing 19 games and finishing the season as the GIANTS equal leading goalkicker with 45 goals.
Australia will be looking to reclaim the Cormac McAnallen Cup after losing to the Irish by just four points in a one-off test at Croke Park in 2015.
GIANTS International Rules Representatives:
Shaun Edwards (2013)
Toby Greene (2017)
The two-test Virgin Australia International Rules series will be played at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday November 12 and at Domain Stadium in Perth on Saturday November 18.
Australian 2017 Virgin Australia International Rules Series Squad: Gary Ablett (Gold Coast Suns), Eddie Betts (Adelaide Crows), Travis Boak (Port Adelaide), Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn), Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong Cats), Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle), Brendon Goddard (Essendon), Toby Greene (GWS Giants), Michael Hibberd (Melbourne), Rory Laird (Adelaide Crows), Zac Merrett (Essendon), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Paddy Ryder (Port Adelaide), Joel Selwood (Geelong Cats), Rory Sloane (Adelaide Crows), Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide), Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions).
