Dour doyen of AFL coaches, he has been anointed coach of Australia for the round ball International Rules Tests against Ireland in October.

Sadly, the kick ‘n giggle spectacle shows how desperate Aussie Rules evangelists have become in their marketing drive to mix it with the big boys of international football.

Chests bursting with patriotic pride, AFL stars barge past hapless Gaelic amateurs, self-consciously clutching a white soccer ball.

It’s a hoot, but International Rules does nothing for Australia’s reputation as a serious sporting nation.

KEVIN RUGG,

Beaumaris