Australian captain James Hird has urged the AFL's best players to realise the importance of representing their country and playing in the International Rules series.
Upwards of twenty of the league's All-Australian All-Star squad missed the trip to Ireland this year, and it showed as the Antipodeans were soundly beaten by an aggregate 50 points.
Essendon forward Hird may not make it back for the return series in 2006, but he knows the Aussies must fight back next year.
"I've absolutely loved the last 14 days. It's been an amazing experience and I would love to do it again, but I might not be playing AFL footy in two years' time.
"Playing for your club and winning Premierships is fantastic, but this is great as well. The great thing about this game is it promotes Australian rules football and Gaelic football.
"I can understand why players don't play because of injuries, and needing a break, but it would be great to see the best Australian players playing in this series."
Next year's series will be played at Perth's Subiaco Oval and the MCG in Melbourne.
With Australian coach Garry Lyon ending a four-year term in charge yesterday at Croke Park, Stephen Silvagni, one of Lyon's assistants, has emerged as an early favourite for the post.
