The AFL has announced six new inclusions to Australia’s 2017 International Rules side, with Jack Gunston joining Shaun Burgoyne as Hawthorn’s two representatives.
Gunston was named for his first International Rules Series appearance on Thursday afternoon, alongside Ben Brown (NM), Neville Jetta (Melbourne), Luke Shuey (WC), Kade Simpson (Carlton) and Robbie Tarrant (NM).
Australian Coach Chris Scott said the new squad members had been specifically targeted for key roles in the line-up after all having been in outstanding form this season.
“All six players who will complete the Australian squad have been members of the All Australian season squad during their careers, as elite players of the competition, and each has been in outstanding form this season,” he said.
“They provide us with a mix of both height in defence and attack and speed through the midfield.”
The series will kick off when Australia host Ireland at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday November 12 (3.40pm ACDT), before the two sides wrap the series up at Domain Stadium on Saturday November 18 (4.45pm AWST).
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Australia’s 2017 International Rules Series Squad:
Gary Ablett (Geelong)
Eddie Betts (Adelaide Crows)
Ben Brown (North Melbourne)
Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn)
Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong Cats)
Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle)
Jack Gunston (Hawthorn)
Brendon Goddard (Essendon)
Michael Hibberd (Melbourne)
Neville Jetta (Melbourne)
Rory Laird (Adelaide Crows)
Zac Merrett (Essendon)
Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
Paddy Ryder (Port Adelaide)
Joel Selwood (Geelong Cats)
Luke Shuey (West Coast Eagles)
Kade Simpson (Carlton)
Rory Sloane (Adelaide Crows)
Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne)
Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)
Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions)
