IRELAND International Rules coach Sean Boylan is delighted to see the hybrid series return and can't wait to let his committed and excited squad loose on Subiaco Oval on Friday night.
Boylan credits those committed to the concept from both countries for getting it up and running again after a controversial 2006 campaign.
Boylan is a huge fan of the game and while the focus was on other things in that series, he remembers being extremely impressed with the Australian's skill level and at the very least hopes his players learn something from them in this series.
"It was missed but there was apprehension there. The thing that happened after the last series was that players said that it's time for the officials to get it right," Boylan said.
"Kevin Sheedy, Andrew Demetriou, Pat Daly (Gaelic Athletic Association head of games) and Nicky Brennan (GAA president) put an awful amount of work in to get it the way you like to see it played. When it's played right it's a fantastic game and we are delighted for it to be up and going again.
"Even though things happened that shouldn’t have last time, they were so good at using the ball in both their shooting and passing, and I'm hoping we can learn something from them that we can take to our game back home."
Fermanagh's Martin McGrath is a late inclusion to the Ireland squad and makes for a tremendous story having overcome cancer and heart surgeries, but Boylan was quick to point out that he richly deserves his place.
"It's a wonderful thing for him and it's the great thing about sport. There's nothing better because once you are out there you leave all those things behind," he said.
"Marty is here on merit and we are all happy to have him in the team. He is the All Star footballer of the year and his county won the All Star title, which is a major thing and he's a great player."
The temperature might have been 20 degrees hotter since they arrived in Perth and the Australians might have the advantage of being at home and being professionals, but the Irish are here to win.
Boylan was also impressed with what he saw of Subiaco Oval in his team's training session on Tuesday night.
"It's fantastic to be here. I had often heard of how big the ground is and the tradition of the place, and now I can see it myself and we are honoured to be here. It's a great honour for our lads to represent Ireland and what better place to do that than here in Perth," he said.
"I hope we can hang in there and I know that we have plenty of skill and very good footballers. I'm sure we can match the Australians in many ways, but I hope we are good enough to break even at least in this match and have a good crack at the final game in Melbourne."
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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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