Selwood heavy hit mars win

INTERNATIONAL RULES GEELONG skipper Joel Selwood is facing a possible AFL suspension after being blackcarded during Australia’s 53-50 win over Ireland in Saturday night’s International Rules clash in Perth.

Australia trailed by 16 points early in the third quarter but goals to Eddie Betts and Dayne Zorko in the last 61 seconds of the match lifted the home side to the 0.15.8 (53) to 2.10.8 (50) win in front of 30,116 fans.

The 2-0 series victory means Australia regains the Cormac McAnallen Trophy.

But the biggest talking point to come out of the match was the incident involving Selwood, who was black-carded just before half-time after cleaning up Chris Barrett with a late and high bump after the Ireland star had disposed of the ball. Barrett lay dazed on the ground as his teammates remonstrated with Selwood.

The black card meant Selwood was rubbed out for the rest of the match but Australia could replace him on the field.

The heavy hit lit the fuse, and an all-in push-and-shove erupted at half-time.

If Selwood is suspended for the high hit, it would rub him out of the start of Geelong’s home-and-away season.

Ireland led 33-17 on Saturday after opening the third quarter with a goal. But from there Australia hit back hard, with the thrilling finish proving to be a fitting finale for Subiaco Oval, which was hosting its last major sporting event.

Nat Fyfe was named Australia’s best player of the series, while Conor McManus was named Ireland’s best.

Picture: GETTY IMAGES TEMPERS FLARE: Players from both sides get involved in a melee at the half-time break during game two of the International Rules Series between Australia and Ireland.