The Australian Football League (AFL) announced part of the schedule for the series in June 2011 with the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne chosen for the first test match.

He was joined on the coaching and selection staff by Eoin Liston (Kerry), Kevin O'Brien (Wicklow), Seán Óg de Paor (Galway) and Kieran McGeeney (Armagh), all former international rules players.

[4] On 12 October, Tohill named 18 players of a 23-man squad (later to become 24) and also confirmed, subject to club commitments, that Stephen Cluxton would be the Ireland captain.

[11] He is joined on the coaching staff by former Richmond footballer Wayne Campbell (selector), as well as former players Andrew McLeod and Brad Johnson while Collingwood sports science director David Buttifant will be in charge of the team's preparation for the series.

[14] Melbourne footballer Colin Sylvia was initially selected in the team, yet he was withdrawn due to inappropriate off-field behaviour, diminishing the Australian squad to 23.

**These players replaced other players initially selected in the squad who withdrew from the series due to club football commitments † Jake King was injured in the first test and was replaced for the second test by Joel Patfull The following players withdrew from the series: Darran O'Sullivan (Kerry - GAA), Colin Sylvia (Melbourne - AFL) The opening test of the series was played at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, the second time the venue had hosted an international rules game, with the first match having been played in 2005.

The home side scored their first goal of the series, with captain Brad Green making the most of an error from Irish skipper and goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton.

as Ireland's Kevin Reilly approached the Australian huddle after a break in play as a result of a concussion to Emmet Bolton.

Jake King of Australia was ruled out prior to the second test with a knee injury that would also disrupt his pre-season training for Richmond.

[24] Trailing by 11 points at half time, Australia managed just one over for the rest of the match, as Ireland's superior finishing skills proved decisive again.