GAELIC GAMES:IF TONIGHT'S first Test of the 2010 International Rules Series in the Treaty City follows the mood of yesterday's preliminaries, it will be about as raucous as the monthly gathering of the Limerick Octogenarian Crochet Society.

Given the boisterous history of the competition, it might have been someone’s idea of a dark joke to bring representatives of the teams to the Hunt Museum, which houses many rare and fragile pieces of art. But the history of the series – and treating it with respect – was of paramount concern to both camps when they looked forward to the coming matches.

“That is going to happen,” said Australia coach Mick Malthouse when reminded that there are those who believe the Rules series is not worth pursuing.

“Because we have two unique sports and you put them together and you come out with something that is different to the AFL and the GAA. So the powers who put that together, when you analyse the 32 games played they are so close, means that whatever took place many years ago and was modified right through has put through two teams who are relatively close together.

“Also, I was one of the people to whom Harry Beitzel (the Australian pioneer of compromise rules) suggested being part of the squad. It didn’t happen, but I was that excited at the idea of – perhaps – playing for Australia, I can’t tell you what it meant. So the sceptics will be the people who aren’t close to the game.

“The opportunity to wear that jumper with pride – you straight away have this feeling. So when I spoke to those players who had played in the Grand Final, the response was the same: can’t wait.We are desperately keen to continue this.”

With that in mind, Malthouse set about selecting a squad of players he felt would be capable of absorbing the rules and the significance of representing the country.

His Irish counterpart, Anthony Tohill, has been equally determined to iron out the domestic difficulties with the one aspect of the game that has proven most contentious: the tackle. The Australian practice of “throwing” opponents is probably the biggest adaptation that the Irish players are asked to make.

“You can’t avoid it,” reasoned Tohill. “We are trying to educate the players to take the tackle and get up and get on with the game.”

But as Malthouse pointed out, the tackle plays a relatively minor part of the international game anyway. In Wednesday night’s crushing of the collegiate selection in Cork, Australia clocked up just 16 tackles. By comparison, the AFL Grand Final contained 180 tackles. Adam Goodes, the Australia captain, confirmed that learning how to employ the tackle validly has been an important part of the Australian preparation.

“Slinging a player to the ground is a yellow card and we don’t want that to impact on our team, let alone treat the Irish like that. We want to play within the rules. If the ball is there to win, then we will try our hardest to get it.”

One player Malthouse will carry extensive notes on is Marty Clarke, the Down player whom he coached at Collingwood.

Malthouse has always been lavish in his praise of the Kilkeel man and he beamed when asked if he had had a chance to say hello to Clarke since his arrival in Ireland. He also made it clear that he hasn’t fully abandoned the idea of seeing Clarke in the black-and-white stripes of the Melbourne side again.

“We had a reception last night and I didn’t leave his side and, when I did, someone else took over! He would have been part of it. He is a wonderful player. I was very disappointed when he left but we are very hopeful. Life is like that. Players come and go. The competition always survives the player. Marty has been part of it and now he is back playing what he loves and whether he comes back or not . . . it would be great for us. I have kept an absolute eye on him! Seen every kick he had.”

The presence of Tadhg Kennelly and Tommy Walsh, the Irish players currently contracted to AFL clubs, should deepen the interest. In talking about Kennelly, his Sydney Swans team-mate Goode reckoned the Kerryman’s return to Ireland for the 2009 championship had done him good.

Asked for how long more the Irish man might be able to cope with the demands of the AFL, Goode replied: “Hopefully as many years as I do.”

“I wouldn’t cut him short here!” interrupted Malthouse. “I was hoping for another five or six years.”

The laughter was general in both camps. Whatever happens over the next two Tests, both teams are going in with the best of intentions.