Stynes joins Australia set-up

Dermot Brereton was yesterday named as Australia's coach for the International Rules series against Ireland in October. Jim Stynes, brother of Dublin footballer Brian Stynes, has been named as Brereton's assistant. A 30-man Australia squad for the series will be named on August 30th.

Jim Stynes, a Dublin minor before he left for Australia, played in every series between the countries up until now and faced brother Brian in last year's two-game series which Ireland won on an aggregate score.

Brereton said he was "totally honoured and flattered" that his first coaching appointment would be to take charge of his country, but denied that it would lead to an AFL coaching career. He said he was not interested in coaching at club level.

The 34-year-old takes charge of the squad for the matches at the MCG on Friday, October 8th and at Football Park in Adelaide on Friday, October 15th. Brereton represented Australia in the 1984 series in Ireland and in the 1986 series in Australia. He succeeds Leigh Matthews, who took on the Brisbane coaching job after returning from Ireland last October.

"I spoke to Leigh Matthews when he came home last year and he said the win (in the first match) was as good as any final he's been involved in," Brereton said. "The atmosphere in the rooms afterwards, he said it was as good as any final he's participated in. That really made me think about it.

"If Leigh Matthews told me to put my hand in a fire, I would. His word's good enough for me, and knowing what other people do when they play for their country, it's a wonderful opportunity."

Gerard Healy was named as chairman of selectors. Graham Cornes, Robert Dipierdomenico and Robert Walls will also serve on the match committee.

Further evidence of the determination of the GAA to stop pitch invasions after matches was confirmed yesterday when a further "policy document" was issued by Croke Park.

The GAA statement read as follows: "The policy to prohibit encroachment has been taken to avoid injuries and possible fatality and has been taken on the advice and promptings of the safety authorities.

"Unlike many other grounds Croke Park, with its sunken areas close to the pitch, presents particular hazards in a pitch encroachment situation. Supporters are sincerely thanked for their co-operation to date and are asked to continue this co-operation in the future to ensure that games can be enjoyed without recourse to fencing.

"Together we can ensure that a Croke Park experience is both enjoyable and safe, particularly for the young and vulnerable," the statement concluded.