Australia coach Rodney Eade admitted his side lacked aggression after they were crushed by Ireland by a record margin of 44 points in Friday’s opening International Rules Series match.
Ireland won 4.17.5 (80) to Australia’s 1.8.6 (36) at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium before a modest crowd of 22,921, with the second and final game to be played at Gold Coast on November 4.
It was the biggest margin in the history of the series, which dates back to 1984.
Eade was mindful during the week of being careful to avoid the brawling antics of the 2006 series, which led to Ireland cancelling the 2007 contests.
But he says his men probably were too timid and need to lift their physical aggression for the Gold Coast clash.
“They were probably more physical than I expected,” Eade said.
“They probably beat us in that area as well.
“We probably worried too much about being nice and making sure the spirit of the game was upheld.
“I don’t think there’ll be fireworks but we’ll be certainly playing our way next week.”
While Eade felt the series was probably out of Australia’s reach, he said it was important his players made a stand next week and were able to score a win in the second Test.
Ireland coach Anthony Tohill said he was concerned for Emmet Bolton, who was sent to hospital with concussion after colliding with Australia’s Mitch Robinson in the third quarter.
The incident almost sparked an all-in brawl as more than 20 players became involved in a push-and-shove affair.
“He has taken a fairly heavy hit to the head. It was a big hit but he’s a tough lad,” Tohill said.
“He is probably a big risk for next week.”
Tohill said he welcomed Eade’s desire for Australia to show more aggression in the second match.
“We don’t consider the series to be over at this stage,” Tohill said.
“We’ve no problem with it being hard and physical, as long as it’s fair and within the rules of the game.
“If we can win by 44 tonight, Australia can win by 45 next week.
“We’ll not be getting carried away.”
Tommy Walsh, who has switched to Sydney for next season after failing to get a game at St Kilda, was one of Ireland’s better players with three “overs” worth three points each.
Ex-AFL player Tadhg Kennelly and current Brisbane Lion Pearce Hanley were also prominent.
Stephen Milne, Bernie Vince and skipper Brad Green, who scored Australia’s only six-point “under”, were among the home side’s better players.
Michael Murphy, Eamonn Callaghan, Leighton Glynn and Steven McDonnell all kicked “unders” for Ireland, who led by 24 points and finished full of running in the final term with their superior kicking skills with the round ball standing out.
Australia are the trophy holders after winning 2-0 in Ireland last year. In the event of a tied series, the winner is the team with the higher aggregate score.
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