AUSTRALIA needs to keep working to find the right mix of players if it is to regain the Cormac McAnallen trophy from Ireland, according to captain Brad Green.

An Australian side boasting just two members of the 2011 All Australian team was thoroughly outplayed by the tourists, losing the series by a combined 65 points.

Australia's 29 points in game two were the least in the history of the series and, coupled with a 44-point loss in game one, Ireland's aggregate victory was an apt indication of the difference between the teams.

Some of the Australian team, including its player of the series James Kelly, James Frawley, Bernie Vince and Andrew Swallow, showed they could compete and handle the round ball.

But other team members were extremely quiet over the course of the two games and not up to the standard required.

Some have called for a return to previous selection policies, when the All Australian side was picked to play Ireland, but Green doesn't believe the solution is that simple.

"I think it's a mix. It's a mix of guys between the best players and the guys that can play the game," Green told AFL.com.au.

"That's the best scenario we can come up with.

"It's hard, guys have to take time out of their leave and injuries - it was a 24-week season this year and the sub rule probably put the strain on a lot of players.

"We had eight players who pulled out in the finals series, so that's half of our side gone."

Criticised for a lack of effort in game one, Green felt his players had at least responded well on that front in the second clash.

"It's always disappointing when you lose a game of footy or in this case International Rules," he said.

"It was a spirited effort, but there were just some basics from us that cost us at the end of the day.

"Our effort was poor in the first game, but you couldn't question it this game.

"In the end it wasn't too big a gap, but it was still a loss."

Green is one of the strongest advocates of the series and said it allows strong friendships to be forged, which wouldn't otherwise have a chance to materialise.

"I love the series, I love playing it and it's something different that AFL guys can adapt to and come together for two weeks," he said.

"That's the great thing, you get to play with another 23 guys that become your mates and it's an amazing transformation that happens."

Source: 

https://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/125812/default.aspx