First Series: Keith Duggan talks to Craig Bradley, who played in the first Test in 1984, on how much it means to the Australian players to wear their national jersey.

Craig Bradley could become the great archivist of the International Rules series. Still a vital member of the Australian side, he is the only player whose experience dates back to the inaugural Test in 1984.

"Yeah, I was just 21 then and was just completely rapt with the idea of visiting Ireland. None of us knew too much about Gaelic footie, or what we were facing, but the whole time was very enjoyable. I think we were impressed with the way the Irish guys were able to compete but it was obviously new to both teams and it took a while to iron things out."

Bradley agrees the first draft was a completely different game, with a liberal interpretation of the tackle ensuring that the series was notoriously robust. Tomorrow's match, he reckons, will have almost nothing in common with that first series other than the origin of the teams.

"I think both countries have worked hard since then to refine and develop their style of playing the game. It is generally recognised that some of the stuff that went on at first wasn't very helpful and the approach is much more controlled now. It has become a better sport and I think the fans from both countries have warmed to it a lot.

"We had great crowds in Australia last time out and because the Irish played such fantastic footie, the interest should carry over to this year's Test." Although the International Rules enjoys a fairly high profile here, becoming a regular book end to the Gaelic calendar, it would be understandable if it were less known in Australia. Bradley believes that most Australian fans are now aware of it, especially AFL supporters.

"The attraction for our players is the same as with the Irish. It gives us a chance to wear our national colours, something that we wouldn't otherwise have a chance to do. I know a lot of guys were disappointed not to be on this tour for that reason."

But despite the ideal of compromise, don't the majority of Aussies believe the series is essentially just Gaelic football with a few AFL-type tackles thrown in to spice it up.

"Yeah, well, kind of," laughs Bradley. "With the round ball, I suppose they do feel it is closer in spirit to the Irish game. We still have difficulties in kicking it. Like, some of our guys haven't been regularly kicking with the round ball until last week. But we are trying and I think we are getting better, you know.

"The main difficulty is when we try to kick the ball around the corner, which in Australian footie is an absolute no-no. In our game, we kick in straight lines. It's hard to describe the difference but it is an entirely different experience. I think anyone who just goes out and kicks an Aussie football will understand that."

Jim Stynes has been instrumental in helping the visitors in dealing with the quirks of the round ball.

"Jimmy put some of us through our paces. It takes time but we are not complaining. The series has worked well with the round ball and we know it would just be impossible for the Irish to adapt to using our ball in what is a short period of time."

Over his sporadic tours with the Australians, Bradley has watched the transformation of Croke Park from its original state in 1984 to today's great arena. He is highly impressed with the revamped facility and is up to speed with the current controversy about allowing other sports into Croke Park.

The visitors intend travelling west for a few days after tomorrow's Test, with a stop-off in Galway now something of a tradition for the touring party.

"The tendency has been for the visiting team to have the advantage because they are together for two weeks solid and build up camaraderie and what not. We are hoping to take advantage of that this time round.

"I think we have a good squad, nicely balanced with good big guys and smaller, more skilful

players as well.

"So hopefully we can trouble the Irish on both fronts. It would be nice to win it again and where better than Croke Park?"

"With the round ball, I suppose we feel it is closer in spirit to the Irish game. We still have difficulties in kicking it. But we are trying and I think we are getting better. The main difficulty is when we try to kick the ball around the corner, which in Australian footie is an absolute no-no. In our game, we kick in straight lines."