1)     The Australians fall to the Irish in the first International Rules test

Ireland defeated Australia 57-35 in the first test at Breffni Park in Cavan. The home side were too good for the Indigenous All Stars who struggled to adapt to the round ball.

Steven Motlop was the best player for the Australians, with the Cats small forward looking comfortable with the round ball in hand, using his agility around goals to kick two overs.

Carlton’s Zac Tuohy was one of Ireland’s best players, along with captain Michael Murphy.

Buddy Franklin stepped out onto the field for the first time since crossing to the Swans and he impressed as the game wore on, with the Swans million dollar man kicking an over for the Australians.

The Irish looked far more comfortable however and a late run the only thing saving the Australians from a heavy loss.

2)     Jesse White and the 6^th pick heading to Collingwood

Collingwood acquired Pick 6 in the draft in a trade with the West Coast Eagles which also gave them the necessary ammunition to land Sydney Swans forward Jesse White.

The Magpies traded picks 11, 31 and 49 to the Eagles for picks 6 and 44. Collingwood then used Pick 44 to bring White to the club, who nominated the Magpies as his club of choice.

In a huge win for the Magpies, they not only have a talented young forward in White to pair with Travis Cloke but two top ten picks in the upcoming National Draft.

White kicked 73 goals in 71 games at the Swans and shone in the latter half of the 2013 season.

3)     Simon Black retires

After 322 games, Simon Black has called time on his brilliant career. A triple premiership player and Brownlow and Norm Smith medalist, Black captained the Brisbane Lions for two seasons and was named an All-Australian three times.

Black was a part of the most feared midfield of the early 2000s alongside teammates Michael Voss, Nigel Lappin, Luke Power and Jason Akermanis.

He played a crucial role in each of the Lions 2001, 2002 and 2003 premierships, with his classy ball use setting up countless forward thrusts for the Lions.

Black won the Brownlow medal in 2002 and celebrated the Lions third successive premiership by being awarded the Norm Smith Medal in 2003.

4)     Dal Santo signs with North Melbourne

One of the biggest free agency moves to date took place on Friday when former Saint and restricted free agent Nick Dal Santo signed with the Kangaroos for the next three seasons.

In a huge boost for a North Melbourne side that was on the fringe of the eight in season 2013, Dal Santo will join stars Andrew Swallow and Daniel Wells in the Kangaroos midfield.

The 29-year-old moves from a side looking to the future, to a side desperate for immediate success and poised to make the finals.