In this second istalment on the "spread of the hybrid", having noted the established 7 year tradition in Denver, Colorado, we head north to Canada's western provinces. Here clubs at the edge of Aussie Rules' and Gaelic football's lonely frontiers are also keeping match fit, exchanging player talent and enjoying good cross-cultural "craic" (Irish for a helluva lotta fun).

Withdrawals through injury, weddings, expectant births and perhaps some long season burnout have changed the character of this year's Australian team for the International Rules series. But maybe that will actually give the Aussies an edge.

International Rules Football - it is a long and impressive sounding name, but so far few outside of Ireland and Australia would know it referred to the hybrid Aussie/Gaelic game played each October between the elite of the AFL and the GAA. Yet how many Aussies and Irish would know that (not withstanding the annual under 17s matches) it is not just the 24 official October Tests that have seen the tackle and mark with an O'Neills Gaelic ball? And that playing fields have been graced with the curious sight of 4 posts, cross-bar and nets, not just in Croke Pk or the MCG, but in fields across North America, Germany and Asia?

The Irish squad for the International Rules controversially includes both O'hAilpin brothers - Setanta who is currently on Carlton's list in the AFL, but also big brother Sean Og.