It's a case of mixing old and new for Essendon veteran Brendon Goddard as Australia prepare to take on Ireland for the latest two-Test International Rules Series (IRS) rebirth.
As the AFL's Melbourne-based representatives departed on Thursday, the 32-year-old revealed he'd packed his "goalie gloves" after confirming news of his selection between the sticks.
The IRS round-ball series is old hat for Goddard but his new role is uncharted territory, he says.
"It's something a little bit foreign," the four-time Australian squad member told reporters.
Figuratively, the gloves have been passed on by another Essendon great, Dustin Fletcher, who wore them for more than a decade.
Despite the two having touched base, Goddard said no amount of advice from his former teammate could compensate for his ready-made keeper physique.
"Fletch being the No.1 goalie ... I don't quite have the Gadget-like reach (he) had," Goddard said.
Melbourne Victory CEO Ian Robson, a former Essendon executive, has also offered to put the newbie shot-stopper in touch with the A-League club's goalkeeping coach.
Goddard, the second-oldest squad member behind Shaun Burgoyne, believes selectors have struck a "good mix of youth and experience" but admits two-time Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett's omission is a blow.
While the Irish had been training for weeks, the Australian side were due to meet for their first session on Thursday afternoon in Adelaide before Saturday's opener.
Ireland's Gaelic football background will give the tourists a distinct skill advantage but Australia will attempt to make it an "arm wrestle" without overstepping the mark, Goddard said.
"The old days of the biff and brawling has kind of finished," he added.
"But it does get quite heated - we're all competitive at the end of the day and the Irish are very good at niggling."
Australia are looking to reclaim the Cormac McAnnallen Trophy, with Ireland holding the title since their one-off Test victory in 2015 at Dublin's Croke Park.
