Australia's International Rules coach Chris Scott has one specific memory of playing the hybrid game against Ireland.
"The lasting impression for me is the skill and the agility of the Irish," Scott said ahead of Sunday's series-opener in Adelaide.
"I tended to play in the back half and if they get past you, you're not catching them.
"We have talked a bit about what they do with the ball but their speed is exhilarating as well.
"We're conscious ... that we need to play as a unit. If it's too one-on-one and you get isolated against those guys, you don't have too much of a chance."
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Scott will adopt a simple coaching mantra for Sunday afternoon's fixture at Adelaide Oval.
"When you have got the best players involved, often the best coaching system is just to get out of the way and let them do their stuff," he said.
"The most important thing for us was getting the best players possible and we're extremely excited about the quality of our squad.
"The limitation has been the short preparation but in the couple of days we have had together, we're excited that the boys have prepared themselves individually with the round ball."
Scott has appointed Hawthorn stalwart Shaun Burgoyne as captain of the Australian side.
"We felt it just made sense (ahead of) potentially his last year of AFL footy to have the honour," Scott said.
"As much as anyone he is committed to what we're trying to do.
"He is a natural leader in his own right and it is a big occasion for the players.
"So to have an indigenous captain of Australia going into this series, we thought was really fitting."
