BY RONAN SCOTT

r.scott@gaeliclife.com

A member of AFL top brass has revealed that changing the name of the International Rules series is the perfect way to bring an end to the shocking violence that brought the event to a halt two years ago.

Following the news that the AFL and the GAA have agreed to revive the series, Gerard Healy explained that by simply calling it a friendly and not a test would end the Australian's penchant for mid-game brawls.

On an Australian website this week he said: "It may be better if the matches are called friendlies rather than tests," Healy said.

"Perhaps they should be played in that spirit rather than the spirit of an international Test match."

The series did not take place last year because of an outcry from counties throughout Ireland after the aggressive nature of some of the Australian players in Croke Park during the 2006 series. As a result the annual two game test was shelved until February of this year when the AFL met GAA representatives and decided, in principle, that the series could be restarted as long as there were some changes made.

After Central Council gave the green light to resume the series GAA president Nickey Brennan admitted that that he would contact Andrew Demetriou, the AFL chief executive, with the proposal to stage a two game series in October.

The main change this year will be that any penalties incurred will be carried over into each of the codes domestic campaigns.

The AFL selector, Healy, said this was a good idea although it will not please everyone.

"I think you'll find if it's played in the right spirit then it won't be required," Healy said. "It will make blokes think twice. I'm not sure the clubs will be thrilled about it, though."