Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane takes up AFL challenge against Ireland in International Rules

ADELAIDE Crows vice-captain Rory Sloane is keen to represent Australia — and he’ll be taking his physical AFL approach into the International Rules Series against Ireland.

Australia added six players to the AFL’s International Rules squad on Thursday including former Crows forward Jack Gunston, right, and Kangaroos defender Robbie Tarrant. Picture: Getty Images

RORY Sloane will take the same uncompromising approach he has for the AFL game into the International Rules Series with Ireland, starting at Adelaide Oval next Sunday.

“We are allowed to tackle ... and it is hard to change,” said the hard-tackling Crows vice-captain, who will experience the hybrid AFL-Gaelic football game for the first time in the two-Test series in Adelaide and Perth this month.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, in his promotional visit to Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, emphasised the Australians would use “a physicality advantage” to counter the Irish strength with the Gaelic round ball used in IRS.

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Sloane is taking up this theme.

“I’m playing as I always have,” Sloane told The Advertiser.

Crow Rory Sloane has always played his footy with a no-nonsense approach. Picture: Getty Images

The Australian squad was adjusted and expanded to 22 on Thursday with the call up of six players — Hawthorn and former Crows forward Jack Gunston, North Melbourne defender Robbie Tarrant and Kangaroos forward Ben Brown, West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey, Melbourne defender Neville Jetta and Carlton halfback Kade Simpson.

The squad has lost GWS forward Toby Greene who last month broke the little toe in his left foot during a holiday trip to New York.

Sloane is one of 13 players in the Australian squad playing International Rules for the first time. The other novices include Sloane’s Adelaide teammate Rory Laird and Port Adelaide ruckman Patrick Ryder.

“I’ve always wanted this opportunity — and want to grasp this one,” Sloane said. “I’ve always been jealous of other people who get to represent Australia, so I absolutely want this opportunity.

“Putting on the green-and-gold Australian jumper means so much to me.

“So does playing for Australia at Adelaide Oval where you know Adelaide people will turn up to support any Australian team be it in footy, cricket and International Rules.”

Crunch ... Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield’s memorable preliminary final collision. Picture: Getty Images

Sloane is a fan of the hybrid game — and accepting the challenge posed by needing to find touch with the challenging Gaelic round ball.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching the game — and I’ve always wanted to be involved,” Sloane said. “And there is an amazing group of talented players to join at a time when we don’t get representative football with State-of-Origin. This is a perfect opportunity to be part of a special Australian team.”

The SA-based players with IRS experience are Crows forward Eddie Betts, Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak and Power teammate Chad Wingard.

The series opens at Adelaide Oval next Sunday — with tickets selling at $25 — and marks the end of AFL events at Subiaco Oval in Perth on Saturday, November 18.

The Australian squad gathers in Adelaide next Thursday.

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