Pendlebury, 20, said the Australians were caught on the back foot by propping when the ball bounced, and will need to be more proactive if they're to reverse their fortunes on Friday night and win the second Test.
"There were just a few quarters where we were pretty quiet and they kept the scoreboard ticking over,” Pendlebury told afl.com.au on Monday at Australia's MCG training session.
"They're used to the ball coming straight at them and we sort of sat back to see which way it would go, which allowed them to cut in front and get the ball before us.
"We've just got to keep attacking the ball every time."
Despite the difficulties faced with reading the flight and bounce of the Gaelic footy, Pendlebury believes a fine-tuning, as opposed to an overhaul, is what is required for the Australians to steal the series.
"I don't think we have to do a whole lot differently; we just have to improve a bit defensively," he said.
"It was obviously a lot different to what we're used to, and it's a lot quicker and a lot more predictable, and I think we picked it up pretty well.
But it is off-field where the Magpie youngster has had his most enjoyable International Rules experiences so far.
Pendlebury said getting to know his AFL rivals in a casual environment – as well as attend a function the Australians had with the Irish team last week – have been highlights of his involvement in his first hybrid series.
"The whole week over in Perth was good; going out for tea and getting to know the boys away from their own AFL lives.
"Even the dinner with the Irish boys was quite fun, to meet those players and see that they go through the same sort of things that we do."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2008 International Rules Series: Australia v Ireland
Second Test – MCG, Melbourne, Friday October 31
Tickets on sale now at ticketmaster.com.au, by calling 1300 136 122 or at a Ticketmaster outlet.
For full coverage of the 2008 series, click here.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
