Ireland tour an honour to be sure

A MOORABOOL footballer will play alongside a Brownlow medallist in an overseas competition this month, though it’s not Aussie rules they’ll be playing.

Scott Carter from Darley is flying to Ireland tomorrow with the Australian Over 40s International Rules Series side, player-coached by 2001 Brownlow medallist and three-time AFL premiership winner, Jason Akermanis.

The Australians and Irish will do battle on the field in two Tests, to be held on 9 March and 16 March, in Mayo and Cavan respectively.

The winner of the Paddy Gaffney Cup will be determined by whichever side has the highest aggregate score over the two Tests.

Mr Carter, who plays for the Melton Panthers Superules Football Club, said playing for the national side alongside a legend of the AFL was “absolutely surreal”.

“It wasn’t really on my radar as far as footy. I’ve competed in the National Carnival the last couple of years, and played well enough to get in the All-Australian team in the top 20 players those two years,” he said.

“From that, I didn’t realise, but that makes you eligible for the Ireland trip. It wasn’t until Jason Akermanis rang me up and said I’d been selected for the side, that it came about. I actually thought it was a couple of guys from the Panthers joking around.

“It’s been an amazing experience so far, I’m absolutely over the moon to be chosen, and my friends and family are excited too. They’ve given me overwhelming support.”

Ireland have won the last two series in 2016 and 2019, with Mr Carter and the rest of the Australian side eager to prevent an Irish hat trick, and come home with some silverware.

“We’re very keen to get one back on them this year. By all accounts, from the boys I’ve seen that have been selected, it’s a high-quality team,” Mr Carter said.

“I think we should do really well. Bringing the cup back home would be amazing.”