JOSH Hunt is looking forward to his first match of International Rules, although the Geelong defender admits he'll need every minute of practice available to him if he is to have an impact at the MCG on Friday night.
Hunt, considered one of the most penetrating kicks in the AFL, arrived at Monday's training session after a call-up to Australian squad for the Second Test of the series.
And he found himself in the same rooms that had played a part in the lowest day of his football career a month earlier.
Hunt admitted his first return to the MCG – 30 days after Geelong's grand final loss to Hawthorn – provided a sense of déjà vu but no cause for heartache.
Monday’s brief training run, however, was Hunt's introduction to the round ball.
Before the session, the Australians watched a brief video of Friday night's one-point loss to Ireland and Hunt, whose only experience with the round ball was as a five-year-old playing soccer, knew his teammates would be a step ahead of him when it came to using it.
"You might have to have a chat to me in about half-an-hour after I've had a kick of one. I haven’t kicked one yet," Hunt said.
"I’m sure it’s a different kettle of fish than kicking the oval one.
"It’s a bit daunting actually.
"I was just having a look at the tape in there, and seeing how unforgiving the ball is."
Hunt saw some vision of the First Test played at Subiaco Oval, but could have been excused for his jetlag.
The 26-year-old only learned of his inclusion after Cats teammate Max Rooke was forced to withdraw with illness on the weekend.
Hunt had recently visited the USA, relaxing on a post-season trip with his girlfriend, and was just arriving back in the country when told the good news.
However, he is confident that he is in shape to play a role for his country if called upon on Friday.
"When I actually found out that I might be in the squad I was getting a connecting flight from Sydney to Melbourne, coming back from Hawaii," Hunt revealed.
"I've only been back in the country about two or three days.
"When I was in Hawaii I probably did half-a-dozen runs with my girlfriend so that’s probably more than what I would have done had I stayed here."
If he does get his chance to impress, Hunt knows more 'finesse' might be required than usual – despite fans urging him to get behind a trademark long bomb.
"At the moment I’m not too sure what my role is, so I'm here to have a kick around and enjoy it and whatever happens, happens," Hunt said.
"It always is an honour to play … whether it's a Geelong jumper or for the country.
"It’s always an honour to wear those [representative] jumpers and obviously try to do it proud."
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The 2008 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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