WITH Australia’s first match of the upcoming 2008 Toyota International Rules Series against Ireland just eight days away, the players that turned up for a light training session looked like they meant business.
While one might have thought training would serve purely as a meet-and-greet for those in attendance at Arden Street, coach Mick Malthouse and his players looked serious.
While some, such as captain Brent Harvey and his deputy Hawk Campbell Brown have considerable experience at the hybrid game, others were having their first kick with the round ball.
Brown, the Hawthorn hardman and now premiership player, might be entering his second International Series, but he stayed out longer than anyone following the hour-long session, practising kicking the strange football around his body for goal.
Others, like his Hawk teammate Brad Sewell, were simply trying to come to grips with the round ball for the first time.
Other Aussies involved in Thursday’s session included Bulldog Matthew Boyd, Tiger Nathan Foley, Magpie Scott Pendlebury, Blue Kade Simpson and Kangaroo Daniel Wells, who perhaps looked most adept with the Gaelic ball.
Whether it was the fact he was on familiar turf, or whether it was just his silky skills shining through, only time will tell.
Assistant coaches Nathan Buckley and Matthew Lappin were also present to lend guidance when it came to kicking the round ball, having both represented their country on several occasions.
By midday the session was over. Next time the players train they’ll not only be more comfortable with the round ball, but they’ll have a few more teammates to keep them company as well, as the side gets ready for the first test on October 24.
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The 2008 Toyota International Rules Series: Australia v Ireland
First Test – Subiaco Oval, Perth, Friday October 24
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.
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