The skilful tourists built a 17-point lead early in the last quarter and would not be caught against an Australia that was one man down, despite the home side managing the last six scores of the match, running out 3.6.9 (45) to 0.12.8 (44) winners.
Campbell Brown spent the last 10 minutes on the bench after receiving a yellow card for a fierce bump on Finian Hanley, but Ireland's accuracy and skill with the round ball told against the Australians, who clearly had a physical advantage but struggled to adjust to the shape of the ball.
And with Kieran Donaghy and Ireland captain Sean Cavanagh, the two most damaging players on the ground, proving unstoppable up forward, Australian coach Mick Malthouse will have his hands full trying to overturn the one-point difference and retain the Cormac McAnallen Cup next Friday at the MCG.
Marc Murphy was heroic for the Australians with 18 possessions and four overs, including two in the last quarter, but his side was unable to convert a number of goal-scoring chances in the second half.
And with a tackle count that read 37-11 in favour of the Australians, they are likely to focus on skills rather than physical pressure ahead of next week.
Australia clearly had the better of a thrilling last quarter that was opened by an Enda McGinley over.
With his side 17 points behind Shaun Burgoyne displayed his skills in the pocket to find Leigh Montagna for an over before Michael Osborne kicked truly to give the Australians hope.
With Irish star Donaghy injured in the last quarter Australia maintained its momentum, Scott Pendlebury spotting Murphy, who converted an over to put the home side within four points.
And when David Rodan ran in to boot an over Australia was just one point behind. But they would not score again, Ireland cleverly winding down the clock to win a nail-biter, with goalkeeper David Gallagher outstanding.
Ireland was prominent in the early stages, attacking their goal and taking an early lead through Cavanagh.
Australia seemed to take longer to adjust to the hybrid game with Daniel Motlop scoring Australia's only point for the first quarter, but they didn't take long to enforce their physical edge over the Irish, tackling effectively and standing up when their opponents got physical.
Matt Campbell had the first chance to score a goal for Australia when he was tackled illegally by John Keane in the box, but he was unable to convert his penalty, kicking his shot weakly at Gallagher, who saved comfortably.
Things then got dangerous for the Australians in the second quarter as Ireland raced out to a 14-point lead five minutes in.
Some creative play from Campbell resulting in an over kept the home side in the match, but when Leighton Glynn managed to put the ball past charging goalkeeper Nathan Bock, who struggled all night, the Irish were well clear.
It could have been much worse moments later, but Roger Hayden put his body on the line to make a goal-saving tackle. It proved a turning point in the quarter as Australia went on a 14-0 run.
Gallagher made a superb save but was unable to prevent a Marc Murphy over. Scott Thompson then showed his ability with the round ball booting two overs in two minutes from either side of the ground 30m out, the second giving Australia its first lead for the match (19-18).
The scoreboard showed Australia with a one-point margin at half time, but that was adjusted at the break to give the Irish another behind, levelling the scores.
A stunning third quarter from the visitors set Australia a massive mountain to climb as they piled on two goals and three overs to race away to a 17-point lead late in the term.
Donoghy scored the first over before combining with Cavanagh for a spectacular team goal that included a clever backwards tap, a soccer-style cross and a devastating finish from the Irish skipper.
Harvey slotted a crucial over to keep Australia in touch, but when Hayden fumbled in his defensive box minutes later Irish forward McDonnell pounced to put a goal past Bock.
Australia entered the final break 13 points down after a Marc Murphy over, but the stage was set for an exciting last term.
Australia 0.0.1 (1) 0.5.4 (19) 0.7.7 (28) 0.12.8 (44)
Ireland 0.1.6 (9) 1.2.7 (19) 3.5.8 (41) 3.6.9 (45)
GOALS (6 points)
Australia: None
Ireland: Glynn, Cavanagh, McDonnell
OVERS (3 points)
Australia: Murphy 4, Campbell 2, Thompson 2, Harvey, Rodan, Osborne, Montagna
Ireland: Cavanagh 2, Bradley, Donaghy, Lyng, Glynn
BEST
Australia: Murphy, Selwood, Harvey, Simpson, Thomas, Osborne
Ireland: Glynn, Cavanagh, Gallagher, Joe McMahon, McKeever, Canty, Hanley
INJURIES
Australia: None
Ireland: None
Reports: Campbell Brown (Australia) - yellow card
Umpires: McBurney (Australia), Pat McEnaney (Ireland)
Official crowd: 35,153 at Subiaco Oval
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The 2008 Toyota 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.
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