ATTACKING defenders and defensive forwards are shaping as the key planks of Australia's 2008 Toyota International Rules campaign after the side's first practice match on Monday night.
There was plenty of attacking flair on display at Subiaco Oval as the squad split in two for an internal hit-out, and defensive coach Glen Jakovich said the side would have a similar approach against Ireland on Friday night.
"You would say that (but) it'll be determined by the pace and the instincts of the Irish and your direct opponent," he said.
"My tip for [our defence] is, first quarter and first half come Friday night beat your direct opponent. After that get on top of them and then start to get your attacking instincts."
Both Australian goalkeepers, Michael Firrito and Nathan Bock, showed a willingness to push up the ground, and they were flanked by the likes of Dale Thomas, Scott Thompson, Roger Hayden and Campbell Brown.
However, Jakovich stressed the importance of defensive pressure in the hybrid game and suggested his back-half players would receive plenty of support from up the field.
"Our half forwards and our centres are going to be running not only one way forward but equally defensively where we think we have a distinct advantage because of our fitness over the Irish," the former Australian goalkeeper said.
"We'll want to cover up a lot of the space and force them to go for overs only and then pressure them. Hopefully they don't kick too many overs and start to spray the ball wide because of our run down pressure from behind."
The Australian line-up will be settled at a team meeting on Thursday night, but Jakovich said the performances of Nathan Foley, Marc Murphy and David Rodan were impressive.
"We'll just see who stands out, who can handle their position and who's comfortable in it,” he said.
"I thought Dale Thomas played at both ends of the ground quite well so you'd think he will get a fair bit of game time at both ends."
------------------------------------------------------------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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