The Irish had kicked with the wind at the start and used it long and well. The Aussies had chipped it around and were paying the price – with just one behind, they were down by eight at the first turn.
Leighton Glynn booted the goal that took them to that 14 point lead after a Nathan Bock error in goal, and the crowd exploded. There were no big blocks of green, but the crowd was liberally dotted with little pockets of Irish supporters, and behind the goals at the city end they went wild.
Jumping in the air, screaming, fist pumping – as much atmosphere as you could hope for in an international. Subiaco has seen Rugby internationals against traditional rivals in that code, but it was no less intense from the 35,153 who braved the elements to cheer their teams.
The Aussies struggled with the ball, but also with the tactics – running the ball mixed with handball was the Australian way, while the Irish were far more confident to use the ball by foot and continued to boot it long. And it paid off, with plenty of chances created with a long ball in.
Three goals to none demonstrated the effectiveness of the Irish game plan.
Campbell Brown typified the clash of football cultures – with the Irish dribbling the ball forward, Brown dived in at the feet, knocking the ball free to the advantage of a teammate. But the Irish clearly had less adapting to do, and it showed in their superior skills.
And in stark contrast to the last series, which almost saw the entire concept , sportsmanship was abundant. It was still hard, uncompromising football, but plenty of small stuff – helping the opposition to their feet, pats on the backside – was to be seen.
In the end, the Irish hung on to win by a point, despite an Australian surge in the last term when coming home with the wind.
But the spirit in which the game was played meant a truly unique sport was the winner in the bigger picture.
Roll on next week.
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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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The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
