Negating Aussie big men key to Irish hopes

SIX years after Australian captain Chris Johnson and Co. dragged the International Rules series into the mire there, Ireland return to the stadium previously known as the Telstra Dome.

After two campaigns in which AFL legend Mick Malthouse did an untold amount of work in restoring the integrity of the series, Rodney Eade has been entrusted with continuing it.

Eade has promised Australia will be on their best behaviour and there was certainly no indication of any animosity in their training game against a Victorian GAA selection on Tuesday night, even when their opponents were putting in late tackles.