Australia's manager Garry Lyon and his captain Shane Crawford gave their first media conference of this year's International Rules series at Parnell Park yesterday.

The questioning was gentle and centred on preparations and the quality of the travelling party, given the spate of withdrawals last week.

"A few aren't able to get themselves up," said Lyon, "and that's understandable. One hundred per cent of the players aren't going to be as passionate about this as me but we decided early on that we weren't going to try and talk anyone into playing for Australia."

Crawford defended the composition of the panel and said that the international series remains popular with players.

"They were disappointed not to make it. Some had family commitments, some had injuries, but all of our players are top three in their clubs' Best and Fairest (annual awards). They deserve the trip.

"I'd say we're better prepared this year. We've been training pretty hard. While guys were involved in the finals back home there were individual sessions but together we've had three or four days to get used to the round ball. All told I'd say we trained about six days, three on our own and three collectively.

"A lot of our guys are skilled with the oval ball and it takes a few days to get accustomed. The Irish have better skills but hopefully our fitness will balance that."

In addition to the individual practice sessions both Lyon and his assistant manager, former Dublin minor All-Ireland winner Jim Stynes, were available for personal tuition.

Lyon said that he had learned from his debut series last year in Australia, which Ireland whitewashed.

"I learned the greatest challenge is kicking the ball. I learned to have greater appreciation and respect for the talent of our opposition. I had been told that they would be quick and skilful but it was still a surprise. We've got to convert opportunities. Last year we had more of the play but didn't take the chances.

"It's been a pretty sharp learning curve. It's such a different game and there would always be that challenege whether it was you sixth or first series. We play our own game and play it for so long and analyse it that it's interesting to look at a new game. I've enjoyed it."

Lyon was also asked whether he felt under pressure given the success rate of travelling teams - a series has been won only once by the home side, Ireland in 1998.

"No the greater pressure is recovering from two losses last year. It is my first time as travelling coach and it's a bonus to have the players all the time. Last year players went away after the first game. I had to wait to get them back."

He said that support for the series in Australia is good now that the Rules season is over.

"You've got the hardcore supporters which is terrific and we're educating our footie public. Most importantly the players are excited by it. After the end of our season, like the season here, things quieten down a bit. But after the lull it picks up and the games will be televised live. Interest will build to a peak a couple of days before the game."

Meanwhile, Ireland manager John O'Keeffe outlined his priority for the next few days. His panel will be assembling today at the City West Hotel in Dublin ahead of the first test.

"I'd say the most important thing is to get our own game in order first. Getting the inter-change right needs attention. We have to get the full use out of the 23 players because you have to be sensible about this game - it needs the full number involved.

"Among the key areas we'll be looking at is stopping the mark in front of goals. I hope we will have the fitness to stay with them for four quarters and I've always said that if we perform the Gaelic football skills well we will do well. We need to kick with accuracy, not foolishly in the air because they'll clean up there. We need to play the game at our pace and keep our shape."

The GAA emphasised that tickets for the first Test will be on sale at Croke Park today and until Saturday from 10.0 in the morning to 7.0 in the evening. It is recommended that those wishing to attend buy tickets in advance to avoid delay on Sunday.