AUSTRALIA coach Mick Malthouse says Ireland's band of amateurs are just as professional, not to mention better prepared, than his professional AFL stars for the upcoming International Rules series.
Malthouse bristled at suggestions Australia's highly-paid athletes should be able to dominate their amateur counterparts.
He also believes Ireland's longer preparation for the series, which kicks off on Friday night at Subiaco Oval, would give the visitors a distinct edge.
"The word amateur to me is very much a throwaway line because I don't see Sean (Ireland captain Sean Cavanagh) any less professional in his assault to be the best player . . . than Brent (Harvey), and I know how hard this guy works," Malthouse said.
"Talking to Marty Clarke, I don't think the Irish players are any less professional.
"They don't get paid but they've got that wonderful passion to be better.
"If Sean stood up and ripped his top off he would be just as cut as our best player.
"They've had four or five weekends at getting their plays together - that's professionalism.
"It's got nothing to do about whether you get paid in my book.
Malthouse said Ireland's longer preparation time was sure to be an advantage, despite the series interrupting some of the players club commitments at home."They have brought their players together to be highly competitive and better prepared.
"Let's face it, they've got four or five weeks (preparation) on us, because I haven't been able to do it with our blokes.
"So who's the professional? Ireland? Australia?
"I go out on that football field tomorrow night knowing that they are going to be as equally prepared, if not better than us, because of that little bit of a window they've had."
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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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