We must be fearless and not back down, says Star

THE bravado and machismo of Australian Rules would appear to be right up Kieran Donaghy’s street.

Here in Melbourne, the Kerryman has been a real hit with his team-mates, the life and soul of most conversations. Whether it be walking as a group down the street or huddled in a hotel foyer talking tactics, he’s been a leading voice away from the training field.

He’s got a fair idea of what makes tomorrow’s opponents tick too. Even if 19 of them haven’t kicked a round ball at this level and are as familiar to Donaghy as keeping his mouth shut, he can sense their attitude.