Brisbane Lions veteran Ash McGrath is among the 21 players named in the Indigenous Australian Rules team which will play in the 2013 International Rules Series in Ireland.

McGrath, who was part of the Indigenous All-Stars’ side in 2009, will now represent his country for the first time throughout his 13-year AFL career.

Unfortunately he won’t get the opportunity to line up against Lions teammate Pearce Hanley, who was unavailable for selection in Ireland’s squad.

McGrath’s 208 senior AFL games makes him the second most experienced player in the Indigenous team, just four games shy of North Melbourne’s Daniel Wells.

Supported by Coles and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Indigenous Australian Rules team will train in Melbourne on October 11 and will depart for Ireland from Sydney International Airport on October 12.

The Indigenous Australian Rules team will play two Test matches. The First Test will be played at Breffni Park in Cavan on October 19, followed by the Second Test in Dublin at Croke Park on October 26.

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said the 2013 International Rules Series is a significant event in Australia’s Game.

“The Indigenous All-Stars will make Australian sporting history when they travel to Ireland to represent Australia for the first time in the International Rules Series against Ireland.

“The list is made up of an impressive and competitive group of players, which will showcase our Indigenous talent and I’m confident will do Australia proud.”

Michael O’Loughlin is Head Coach of the Indigenous Australian Rules team and will be supported by a senior coaching panel to be made up of Rodney Eade, Tadhg Kennelly and Andrew McLeod. Adam Goodes will join the tour in a coaching/mentoring role.

In the most recent series in Ireland in 2010 Australia secured a 2-0 victory under former coach Mick Malthouse, before losing 0-2 in Australia in 2011.

The International Rules Series matches will be broadcast nationally on 7Mate.

Indigenous Australian Rules team:
Tony Armstrong (Sydney Swans)
Dominic Barry (Melbourne)
Eddie Betts (Adelaide)
Alwyn Davey (Essendon)
Aaron Davey (Melbourne) – retired
Shaun Edwards (GWS Giants)
Cameron Ellis-Yolmen (Adelaide)
Lance Franklin (Hawthorn)
Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast Suns)
Josh Hill (West Coast)
Leroy Jetta (Essendon)
Lewis Jetta (Sydney)
Nathan Lovett-Murray (Essendon) – retired
Ashley McGrath (Brisbane Lions)
Steven Motlop (Geelong)
Jake Neade (Port Adelaide)
Mathew Stokes (Geelong)
Lindsay Thomas (North Melbourne)
Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast)
Daniel Wells (North Melbourne)
Chris Yarran (Carlton)