Classy defender Roger Hayden will make his International Rules debut for Australia alongside Fremantle teammate Ryan Crowley when Australia faces Ireland in the two game Toyota International Rules series.

With the first test to be played in front of their home crowd at Subiaco Oval on Friday 24 October, Roger and Ryan’s familiarity the ground will no doubt be of huge benefit to the Australian line up as it looks to retain the Cormac McAnallen trophy, which was won in Ireland in 2006.

The 2008 Toyota International Rules series will be Ryan’s second following his debut in the 2006 series. He is one of only six players lining up for Australia this year that has represented the country in a previous series.

The 25-man Australia squad consists of players from 13 of the 16 sides, with 23 of those chosen finishing in the top 10 of their respective club's best and fairest counts this year.

Australia coach Mick Malthouse said the 2008 squad featured the next generation of Australian players.

"We have gone for youth, speed, skill and agility. The squad consists of players who have had outstanding seasons with their clubs, 23 of the 25 have finished in the top 10 of their club best and fairest. They all deserve the opportunity to play for their country and win for their country," he said.

"We have young coaches, a reasonably young side; Brent Harvey is the oldest at 30 and the rest of them are fairly young men.

"We're picking a side to win; we're picking what we believe to be an exciting young side.

“This year we are celebrating 150 years of Australian Football and we want to finish the competitive year by winning this series for Australia. That’s our primary aim,” Malthouse said.

Malthouse emphasised the enthusiasm of those that have made the squad, and encouraged a strong turnout at both the Perth and Melbourne games.

"We know how the Western Australian people get behind these games, so we're desperate to make sure we have all Victorians that love their Australian Rules football come to the MCG.”

The team is:
Ryan Crowley (Fremantle), Roger Hayden (Fremantle), Nathan Bock (Adelaide), Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs), Jared Brennan (Brisbane Lions), Campbell Brown (Hawthorn), Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide), Matt Campbell (North Melbourne), Michael Firrito (North Melbourne), Nathan Foley (Richmond), Brent Harvey (North Melbourne), Leigh Montagna (St Kilda), Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide), Marc Murphy (Carlton), Michael Osborne (Hawthorn), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Drew Petrie (North Melbourne), David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Max Rooke (Geelong), Brad Sewell (Hawthorn), Kade Simpson (Carlton), Adam Selwood (West Coast), Dale Thomas (Collingwood), Scott Thompson (Adelaide), Daniel Wells (North Melbourne).

The squad was selected by Mick Malthouse, his assistant coaches Glen Jakovich, Nathan Buckley, Matthew Lappin and AFL Football Administration Manager Rod Austin.

Squad members will train next week in Melbourne in preparation for the first Test at Subiaco Oval and the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday October 31.

Tickets are now on sale via Ticketmaster: call 1300 136 122 or visit ticketmaster.com.au.

First Test – Subiaco, Perth, Friday 24 October
Second Test – MCG, Melbourne, Friday 31 October