MAYO LGFA star Dayna Finn has poured cold water on the prospect of an inaugural Australia versus Ireland compromise rules series match in April next year.
In recent weeks, momentum has been building in Australia for a representative game during the annual ‘Gather Round’ weekend of men’s AFL games in South Australia.
This year ‘Gather Round’ was played from April 4-7 which clashed with the GAA’s women’s National Football League final.
Finn, who recently penned a new AFLW contract with Carlton in Melbourne, is sceptical that GAA women based in Ireland will unanimously put their collective hands up to travel 10,000 miles across the other side of the world for a one-off international rules fixture.
“I reckon there will be a bit of difficulty, because if you’re planning to go back (to Ireland) and play (GAA) championship during May-June, that’s a lot of travel and probably tough mentally and physically,” Finn explained.
“But I think the majority of Irish players would jump at the opportunity to play in it.
“It would be great for giving more publicity to the AFL at home and reignite that competition between both countries.”
One huge positive in the AFL’s favour is that their introduction of 12-month contracts in the most recent collective bargaining agreement has not proven to be an obstacle for Irish players wanting to play in the GAA during the AFLW off-season.
Under current arrangements participation in a hybrid game would be entirely voluntary for AFLW players.
The AFL believes there is considerable enthusiasm in both countries for a hybrid game but if the GAA is unwilling to give the concept their blessing, the AFL is also considering an alternative State of Origin game or a clash between Victoria and an Allies or “Dream Team” side to showcase women’s Australian rules football.