The Sydney Swans enjoy a rich history in the game of International Rules.
Premiership defender Tadhg Kennelly holds the record for the most appearances (12 matches over six series, albeit for Ireland) while goalkicker Michael O’Loughlin coached the All Indigenous squad who toured Ireland in 2013.
Barry Hall and Adam Goodes captained the Australians during the successful 2006 and 2010 tours while Ryan O’Keefe starred in ’06 to bring home the Jim Stynes Medal as Australia’s best performed over the two-game series.
On Sunday, Australia and Ireland meet again in what will be the 40th clash between the two nations.
The first official International Rules game, played at Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimhin Stadium in 1984, featured three Swans - David Ackerly, Gerard Healy and Craig Holden.
“There was a curiosity about the game considering it was foreign and we were still getting our heads around the rules and the round ball,” Holden remembers.
“But at the same time we were extremely passionate. When we wore the Australian colours it was game on.”
Holden and Healy were chosen again for the 1986 series alongside Greg Williams and David Bolton before passing the baton on to dual Bob Skilton Medallist Stephen Wright, the Swans’ sole representative when the series continued in 1987 and 1990.
Many Swans greats have lined up for Australia over the years.
After an eight-year hiatus, Australia returned to Ireland for a revamped two-game series held at Dublin’s Croke Park.
The tournament ended in an Australian loss. They could have done with some Sydney recruits.
After consecutive series defeats, O’Loughlin starred for the Aussies in the triumphant 2000 series kicking three overs and a six-pointer during the second test at Croke Park.
Ireland hit back in Australia the following year, with Kennelly dominating kicking five overs and earning best on ground honours in the second test. In fact, Kennelly made a habit of playing well against his adopted home nation.
This was most apparent when Kennelly won the GAA Medal as the Irish’s best player of the series in 2011.
Australia eventually sought his know-how by elevating him to the coaching panel in 2014, a position he’ll hold during Saturday’s (In Ireland) one-off test.
There were other important performances over the journey.
Hall plied his trade in the foreign game as did Nick Davis. Hall, Davis and O’Keefe combined in 2006 for seven overs and a goal during the narrow 1.12.6 (48) to 1.9.7 (40) loss in the opening test at Galway.
Partly thanks to the Swans trio, Australia were able to regain the Cormac McAnallen Cup after smashing Ireland in the following test at Croke with O’Keefe’s efforts earning him the coveted Jim Stynes Medal.
In total there have been 29 Sydney-listed players to represent the Australian colours. Nick Smith was the latest having been rewarded with All Australian honours last season.
Smith will be the sole representative this weekend, flying the Swans’ flag with pride just like the many before him.
The 2015 Virgin Australia International Rules Series will be broadcast live on 7mate in Sydney on Sunday morning, November 22, at 5.30am or Saturday via the AFL app.
