Hayden and his teammates went through the rules and regulations on Monday, and the creative playmaker said the Australians were capable of maintaining a physical presence against Ireland within the rules.
"That's our game plan," he said on Tuesday. "We're a physical side and that's the way we play in the AFL, so they'll have the skill on us, but we'll have the physicality.
"We've just got to watch what we do, tackle within the laws of the game and take it from there.
"[Slinging] is pretty much a yellow card and if you do that sort of stuff you'll be off for 10-15 minutes. Then you just disappoint the team and put us on the back foot."
Australia's first practice match on Monday night was lacking in physical pressure, with only a handful of bumps and tackles laid.
However there was no shortage of skill or pace, with the Australians adapting quickly to the new ball and style of play.
Hayden hinted at an increased tackle count on Friday night as well as a more conservative defensive approach to protect likely goalkeeper Michael Firrito.
"We were probably just looking after each other (on Monday) but I think when Friday comes the tackling will be pretty ferocious," he said.
"They're going to be pretty skilful with the round ball so we've got to be pretty conscious of not running forward and turning the ball over and leaving our [keeper] by himself.
"We've just got to watch what we do and run off and create at the right time."
Hayden said he was honoured to be one of three WA-based players selected to represent Australia in front of a home crowd this Friday. So far 29,000 tickets have been sold for the Subiaco Oval clash.
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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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