Aussies plan to rough up Irish

Australian boss Garry Lyon has vowed to hit Ireland where it hurts most ahead of Friday's International Rules test opener at the Subiaco Bowl in Perth.

The big hitting Aussies roughed up the Irish during their aggregate victory in Dublin last year and plan to stick with a winning format - even if it leaves the Irish battered and bruised.

Lyon said: "As a coach I'll make it clear to my players that there is ample room in the game to be physical. There are lines you don't cross but we'll play to our strengths and that is our physicality."