International Rules: Seán Morantakes a closer look at the Irish panel.
Stephen Cluxton (Dublin, captain)
Scored All-Ireland winner and collected his fourth All Star. Great shot stopper and distributor from kick-out as well as at ease playing as a seventh defender. (2002,’04, ’10)
Colm Begley (Laois)
One of the Irish contingent with Australian Rules experience, Begley shone in 2006 and last year when named GAA player of the series. Now back in Laois. (2006, ’08 and ’10)
Finian Hanley (Galway)
His height and mobility make him a natural for international defending and his assurance in possession makes him a reliable distributor from the back. (2008,’10)
Eoin Cadogan (Cork)
One of the few dual hurler and footballers operating at the top of the intercounty game, Cadogan’s destructive marking will test Australian forwards. (Debut)
Kieran Donaghy (Kerry)
Missed last year’s series but was superb in 2008 as a target forward with awareness and handling skills from his basketball experience. Key player for Ireland. (2006,’08)
Tadgh Kennelly (Kerry)
After his Sydney retirement comes the lap of honour. Has the two codes locked into his head and has played defence in the AFL and midfield and attack for Ireland. (2001, ’02, ’04, ’06, ’10)
Darren Hughes (Monaghan)
Versatile central back player who at one stage lined out in goal for his county and is an option in the series should the captain be injured. More likely to feature as a rangy defender. (Debut)
Kevin McKernan (Down)
His mobility and flair for making raids from defence made McKernan the big success of last year’s rookies. His score at the end of last year’s first Test showed the way to forwards. (2010)
Michael Murphy (Donegal)
One of the brightest stars in the game at home, Murphy overcame some bad finishing to make his mark in last year’s second Test. Ball winning in the air and accuracy are his big assets. (2010)
Tommy Walsh (Kerry / Sydney Swans)
Although he didn’t break into the St Kilda team, Walsh was in demand during the transfer window. A great ball winner last year, his big difficulty was in remastering the round ball. (Debut)
Niall McGee (Donegal)
In a quality season full backs, he was one of the best and his solidity and calmness gives McGee a good shot at translating that success on to international stage. (Debut)
Zach Tuohy (Laois / Carlton)
Although a talented Laois under-age footballer, he’s the least well known of the AFL exports, but Tuohy has been attracting plenty of positive attention in Carlton. (Debut)
Ciaran McKeever (Armagh)
Tough defender, with a superb international career since his debut in 2008. Ability to cut off space and mark tightly earned him a mention from AFL coach Mick Malthouse. (2008 and ’10)
Emmet Bolton (Kildare)
A mobile, covering half-back – assets useful in the international game, as is his versatility and ability to get forward. Replacement for last year’s first Test. (2010)
Eamonn Callaghan (Kildare)
Another versatile, mobile Kildare player, Callaghan has stamina and an ability to kick points or “overs” in the international game. Nominated for an All Star this year. (Debut)
Leighton Glynn (Wicklow)
Glynn’s industry and willingness to run at the Australian defence was a major factor in the 2008 series win and he came close to maintaining that form last year. (2008,’10)
Pearse Hanley (Mayo / Brisbane Lions)
The AFL’s top performing Irishman now that Kerry man Tadhg Kennelly has retired. Essentially a hunter-gatherer between defence and midfield. (Debut)
Paddy Kelly (Cork)
Had a terrific year before injuries derailed Cork’s championship, Kelly’s stamina and ability to create from the half forwards could be amajor advantage of his call-up. (Debut)
Steven McDonnell (Armagh)
Last year’s captain, McDonnell returns to duty having become Ireland’s top scorer in the series. Strength and accuracy in building the play and shooting. (2003, ’04,’06, ’10)
Joe McMahon (Tyrone)
One of the most versatile players in Gaelic, can mark man-to-man in defence or providing a link role with a reasonable finish up front. A big success in his debut series here in 2008. (2008)
Brendan Murphy (Carlow)
Another of the AFL contingent now back at home after leaving Sydney in 2009, his ball winning and mobility marked him as a promising International Rules player last year. (2010)
Kevin Reilly (Meath)
Reilly’s physical confidence and willingness to go shoulder-to-shoulder have helped make the half-backs Ireland’s most impressive line in recent series. (2006,’08, ’10)
Aidan Walsh (Cork)
Spectacular high-fielding ability sees the 21-year-old from Kanturk – an All-Ireland medallist and All Star in his rookie year – called up for his first series. (Debut)