Australia's International Rules squad has warmed up for Saturday night's one off test against Ireland with a comfortable win over a Gaelic football representative side in Sydney.
After a shaky start adapting to the round ball, the windy conditions and some foreign rules at Great Western Sydney's training base, the Australians found their groove against a gritty expat Irish side boasting six players who had played Gaelic football at the highest level in Ireland.
Superior fitness was the telling factor in the end as Alastair Clarkson's men overran their opposition and didn't allow them to score a goal.
"It was a strong performance and it should have been, it's an All Australian team," said Australian assistant coach Ross Lyon after the game.
"The overall aim was to develop our teamsmanship, a conditioning factor, but a real emphasis on moving the ball.
"There was an improvement from yesterday's session (training) to today, but obviously on Saturday night we'll be defensively challenged more by a great Irish attacking team, so we've got some big challenges ahead."
Brent Harvey's International Rules experience was evident, with the veteran Roo kicking the only goal of the first half and providing plenty of run, while Luke Hodge, Harry Taylor and goalkeeper Dustin Fletcher proved steadying influences down back.
Nat Fyfe elegantly roamed the pitch picking up positions at will and cleverly positioned himself for a knock in goal in the third quarter.
But it was Chad Wingard who looked the most natural at the hybrid game, and his pace and evasiveness saw him hit the back of the net three times and set up numerous other scores.
"It was a bit of fun and I just tried to do what I can, it's a different game, but we are all just here to enjoy it," said Wingard
"It was going to take us a bit of time this week to get used it (the game) and really bond as a team."
The Australian will now head to Perth to continue their preparations as they look to reclaim the Cormac McAnallen Cup for the first time since 2010.
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