Four Indigenous Cats were today announced in a squad of 33 players eligible for selection in the Indigenous Australian Rules team which will play in the 2013 International Rules Series in Ireland.
 
Allen Christensen, Steven Motlop, Mathew Stokes and Travis Varcoe were named in the extended squad by head coach Michael O’Loughlin.
 
The final Indigenous Australian Rules team will play Test matches in Cavan and Dublin in October.
 
AFL General Manager of Football Operations Mark Evans said this year’s International Rules Series is a significant and historic event in Australia’s Game.
 
“The series is a fantastic opportunity for the Indigenous All-Stars to come together as a team and to represent Australia for the first time in the International Rules series against Ireland.”
 
 Mathew Stokes’ selection comes as a reward for the best season of his career in which he achieved a career-high 37 disposals last week against the Sydney Swans.
 
Stokes has this year turned himself into an elite midfielder and arguably one of the most improved players in the competition.
 
Young gun Steven Motlop’s nomination is also well earned after a breakout season in which he continues to excite Cats fans week after week with his magic skills.
 
The final squad of 21 players will be announced following the Toyota AFL Grand Final Series.
 
 
Players eligible to be selected in the Indigenous Australian Rules team: