Australia overcame a case of the third-quarter wobbles to post a 10-point victory over Ireland in Saturday night’s International Rules clash in Perth.
In front of a sellout crowd of 38,262, the AFL’s cream of the crop were on track for an easy victory after opening up a 41-8 advantage early in the third quarter.
But a goal to Ireland’s Darren Hughes – the first of the match – brought Ireland roaring back into the contest, with the visitors slamming through five consecutive overs to reduce the margin to just 13 points late in the term.
Ireland kept pushing in the final quarter, and an own goal to Sydney defender Nick Smith gave the visitors a late lifeline.
But a brave save from Australian goalkeeper Dustin Fletcher in the final minute sealed the 0.17.5 (56) to 2.9.7 (46) win.
Ireland pumped an all-Indigenous Australian side by a combined 101 points in last year’s two-Test series.
But with only past or present All-Australians considered for selection this time around, the home side’s rampant opening half was enough to get them over the line.
Australia’s win gave them victory in the one-Test series, with the ledger now tied at 9-9.
Geelong ace Steve Johnson was crucial early and finished with four overs from 24 possessions, while Nick Riewoldt (three overs), Chad Wingard (three overs), Sam Mitchell, Leigh Montagna and Jarrad McVeigh also starred.
But it was Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge who shone above everyone, with the veteran midfielder winning the Jim Stynes medal as the best Australian player.
Ruckman Nic Naitanui struggled to get into the game as a forward, but the 201cm jumping machine won every ruck tap he contested.
Irish veteran Sean Cavanagh, playing his 13th International Rules match, was prominent with a team-high 20 touches, while AFL star Pearce Hanley also featured strongly.
Forward Conor McManus finished with four goals to take out his team’s award.
Ireland were meant to boast the superior kicking skills, but it was Australia who boasted the deadly edge in front of goal for most of the game.
The opening seconds of the match was a sign of things to come.
Naitanui leaped high to win the opening throw-up, putting the ball on a plate for Joel Selwood.
Then just 30 seconds later, Naitanui again won a ruck tap and Johnson nailed the over with a sharp snap.
Johnson ended the quarter with three overs to give Australia an 18-point edge, and Riewoldt bagged three in the second quarter to give the home side a dominant 28-point lead at the long break.
Ireland controlled proceedings for much of the second half, but the early damage inflicted by Australia proved too much to overcome.
cos789
Guest
What a boring title. By contrast the game was great. It was a great display of skill by the Aussies that kicked extraordinarily accurate.
clipper
Guest
As I've said before, it doesn't matter how farcical these and some 'world cups' are, as long as the players and fans enjoy it, what's the harm?
Radelaide
Guest
Yeah I loved watching him link up with Stevie J who could have been the other candidate for the medal, didn't really notice Hodge that much.
Don Freo
Guest
Craigo...that comment says everything about you and very little about the 38,262 spectators and 493,000 viewers who might actually like sport. You know, I hope, that Frankenstein was the creator...not the creation?
Don Freo
Guest
How good is Chad Wingard? Should have won the Jim Stynes.
Don Freo
Guest
One of them is football and the other one is soccer...duh! Of course Gaelic and Aussie rules gets bigger crowds. Aussies are the world's most intelligent sports crowds.
conchie
Roar Rookie
LOL, thats quite amusing, and quite telling.
Radelaide
Guest
Enjoyed that game (helps that we won), I guess we'll be playing a full strength team each year. Was good seeing so many champions in the same team.
AR
Guest
Interesting tv figures: International Rules: 493k Socceroos v Japan: 307k
bryan
Guest
It is no more "Frankenstein"than any modern football code---they are all hybrids of what went before. Perth has no need for validation from "code war" warriors! :)
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I don't care if this isn't taken that seriously - very entertaining game to watch non-the-less. Well done Ireland and Australia.
TheBird
Guest
What? You must be one of those confused/brainwashed people from the west.
pauliewalnuts
Guest
I forgot it was even on, stumbled across it and decided to watch it. Was pleasantly surprised, found it quite entertaining. I think a good part of this was due to the selection criteria of the Australians this year. I have no great (or any really) expectations for the game moving forward, but it seemed like a successful evening.
conchie
Roar Rookie
I enjoyed it FW it is, in the scheme of things it is as frankenstenish as any other game, you can pick a million faults with any game should you desire. The game has plenty of using the ball by hand and foot, tackling, real contests, scoring and potential for soccer type goals.
Shmick
Guest
What a useless comment. It was an entertaining game, had you bothered to watch it.
holty
Guest
Or perhaps they are the most enlightened? That was a fantastic game to watch.. Did you actually watch it?
Craigo
Guest
"In front of a sellout crowd of 38,262" I think that shows Perth must the most boring or Brain washed place in the world for that many people to watch this frankenstein game.