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Green implores AFL elite

Green implores AFL elite

11/03/2011 02:30:17 AM

You don't know what you're missing out on.

That's the message from Australian captain Brad Green to the rest of the AFL elite, who have shied away from taking part in this year's International Rules series.

The likes of Chris Judd, Gary Ablett, Dane Swan and Adam Goodes could be taking the opportunity to represent their country for granted, according to the Melbourne skipper.

Despite overwhelming criticism of the hybrid game, an Aussie squad devoid of the AFL's biggest names and a drop in interest from the general public, Green is one of the concept's staunchest supporters.

Ahead of Friday night's second and final test against Ireland at Metricon Stadium, he revealed a team talk from Brisbane Lions coach and four-time Australian representative Michael Voss on Wednesday emphasized to him the enormity of International Rules.

"Vossy hadn't realised how special this was until he played the game, and that was his last game ever - after he finished his AFL career," Green said.

"When players get the opportunity to actually play in this series, they find out how special it is."

"Gary and Chris are great players in our game, along with Goodesy and Swanny and these type of guys that are the superstars of our game."

"I think Juddy has played in this series before and no doubt he would know the experience of playing in this series. I don't think Gary has yet."

"But I can't speak for them, all I can speak for is myself - and any chance I can to pull on the Australian guernsey, I do it."

Australian coach Rodney Eade said it was a shame that the AFL's best weren't taking part in this year's series, but suggested it was a consequence of a long and arduous season.

"You can't force them to play. They're on holidays and it's part of their collective bargaining agreement," he said.

"But in the future I've got no doubt the elite players will put their hand up again."

"We're unfortunate this year, from an AFL point of view - there were an extra two weeks (added to the) season and we had the sub rule, so players had an extra load."

"That took its toll in the finals series. We had six players, really good players who pulled out because of injury in the finals."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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