An AFL team,  will play in Ireland , for an International Rules Series , beginning in Limerick on 23 October , 2010.

It continues a 26 year history of competition . The series , was abandoned for two years in 2005 and 2006 , as Australia's style of play,  was deemed too physically combatitive for the Irish team.

Irish fans,  didn't enjoy the spectacle , and left the matches early .
The Irish team , cancelled their tour in 2007 .

The series was played in 2008 , in Australia , but poor economic conditions led to its cancellation in 2009.

An amalgamated team of AFL players and advisors , with acting coach Mick Malthouse , the Collingwood Magpies ,  successful premiership Coach , to make the 2010 Tour .

The Australian players will wear the modern style , AFL Football Jumper , Jersey , Guernsey .

It is usually a unique design incorporating the Australian Coat of Arms , AFL and International Rules Series logos,  and becomes a collectible, amongst supporters.

The tour concludes in Dublin, on 30 October , 2010.

Modern Guernseys will be worn for the Series

Fans who have endured the long summer hiatus of football from their lives can take heart . The NAB Cup kicks of this Friday the 12th February for the opening of the AFL's pre - season competition .There are a succession of games to be played at venues around the country , in every state where AFL is played.

new jumper

old jumper

Footy starved fans can dig out their jumper , jersey , guernsey and other paraphernalia such as flag , cap etc possibly eschewing the scarf and beanie in 37 degrees heat . Its a time of celebration for footy fans everywhere , whether they are going to the Game or watching it on the TV the fans will be back in the old familiar jumper . Or perhaps not so familiar for Blues fans whose team this year is to be fuelled by lollies in their hunt for the Flag. Will they prove " a mars a day helps you work , rest and play ". All the teams photos for 2010 have been posted in the daily newspaper and it promises to be a blockbuster season. Get your football jumper , jersey , guernsey out of the cupboard , off the wall or down from storage now . Or better yet shout yourself a new one with all the new sponsors firmly in place . The scent of the turf and the bounce of the Sherrin is close