Humiliation and hurt drove Aussies: Lyon
Decribing it as one of the highlights of his career, Lyon said everybody involved was aware of the importance of being better at converting chances.
"We just really needed to put a lot of pressure on the opposition and take away all the space they like to move in, because we know how good they are."
"For that reason, the emphasis for much of the past two weeks was to put pressure on the late tackles and to deny them space. When we did that, that was when we played our best.
"We were embarrassed last year in Melbourne and Adelaide. To come over here to Ireland the players really invested heavily. All their team-mates are off on end-of-season trips and partying, while our boys were working pretty hard. That was why it was important to get a good result and reward the effort they had put in."
For Lyon personally, having played for 13 seasons with Melbourne and the second highest goal scorer in the club history, it was "a real highlight".
"It was one of the highlights of my career to coach a group of players such as this group, who had so much character and good strong qualities. You work hard at it and you hope to get a good reward . We had two pretty exceptional wins. I wouldn't mind coaching a game where we could shoot out a nice lead and cruise to victory. It might be a little bit easier."
Just like the GAA, the Australian Football League normally appoint their managers for a home and away series. Lyon says he will adopt a wait and see approach. "If I was asked I would have a look at it," he said.
While Irish manager John O'Keeffe was disappointed with interpretations of the rule governing the tackle, he agreed the positive approach of the Australians on Sunday, allied to the level of entertainment provided, guarantees the continuance of the series.
"It augurs well for the future. It's hard to understand, but no team is dominating at this stage," he said.
"But that's what you need. You don't want one team dominating the other team because of the rules. It has found its niche, definitely. There is a big future for it. The Irish lads in training love playing this game, mainly because there is such continuity in it. It's got all the Gaelic skills, if you like.
"Last week we had a few unnecessary skirmishes. In fairness to Garry Lyon and myself, we worked on it. I was glad that the late tackle was sorted out. It's a very dangerous tackle. There's no future for the game when you have that type of carry-on. We thought both teams went out with the clear intention of playing football."
O'Keeffe, who will again be involved next year, will be looking for a clearer definition of the tackle, specifically "when do you actually lose possession of the ball," and "how long do you hold on to the ball when tackled?"
"I know referees are doing their best, but the game is evolving. There are areas of it that need to be looked at so that players are quite certain where they stand with regard to decisions.
"There was a lot of annoyance amongst our players after Sunday's game and I could understand that. They went out to do their best and play within the rules.
"The fact that it was so competitive and so close, a lot of refereeing calls were very critical, particularly towards the end. At times I felt we were harshly dealt with but I'm not putting that down as an excuse.
"One of the reasons why we faltered was that the Australians tackled very well, particularly in the fourth quarter when we turned over some of our vital possession."
Former Offaly star Matt Connor, one of the selectors brought on board by O'Keeffe, was involved in the very first series in Ireland in 1984. He is looking forward to the return series next year.
"It was a huge disappointment to lose this time, particularly since the lads put in such a huge effort over the summer. They nearly made it in the end, but there were a few chances that we didn't get," he said. "The conditions were unbelievable, but they would have benefited the Australians because of their physical strength. It was very hard to score, but there was a great effort all round. It was a credit to both teams.
"Ireland will have a great incentive going out to Australia next year, but it won't be easy to win. The Australian kicking has improved a lot; it has been improving over the last few series."
Sunday's record attendance would have been higher but for the weather put off several thousand from going. The crowd of 71,552 was greater than the previous high of 64,326 in the MCG in the opening test of the 1999 series a far cry from the 8,000 who watched the first ever Test in Pairc Ui Chaoimh in 1984. The second and third Tests that year in Croke Park attracted 12,500 and 32,318.
And Sunday´s second Test was only the second to end level in 22 meetings between the countries. The other was in Adelaide in 1999, 52 each.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
