AUSTRALIA'S inability to match Ireland's skill level cost the visitors dearly in their narrow loss in the Virgin Australia International Rules Series, according to coach Alastair Clarkson.

The disappointed coach said Australia was able to control the ball and put itself into scoring positions but unable to take the chances on offer.

"We had significant opportunity but we just could not convert the opportunities," Clarkson said.

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Clarkson said the Irish were able to take advantage of Australia's ball-handling errors in the first half and played well.

In the end they were unable to overcome Ireland's scoreboard pressure after the hosts streaked out to a 20-point lead in the second quarter.

Geelong's Harry Taylor won the Jim Stynes Medal as Australia's best player while Essendon's Dustin Fletcher bowed out after a brilliant career.

Irish coach Joe Kernan said a lack of composure nearly cost Ireland in the end but he was proud of the way the game had been played.

"It was competitive. It was fast. It was exciting," Kernan said.

"We wanted to kick the ball and push up and pressure up the ball and we did it."

Kernan said the competition had a great future.

"This won't be good unless Australia make the effort…but Australia want this as much as us," Kernan said.

Both coaches said they hoped the series would be played over two tests the next time the two countries come together.

"The competition has now gone to a different level because of the team Australia is sending over," Kernan said.

"It is a great win but that is going to make it harder next year."