Cats and Hawks made friends in AFL

Geelong and Hawthorn players are usually at each others’ throats, but they will be the best of mates this week as they attempt to end Australia’s International Rules losing run against Ireland.

Hawthorn quartet Grant Birchall, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Luke Breust have all been selected for Saturday night’s one-off Test against Ireland in Perth, while Steve Johnson, Harry Taylor and Joel Selwood will represent Geelong.

The two AFL clubs have played out one of the strongest rivalries over the past seven years, with tensions often flaring in those games.

But premiership defender Birchall said it had been nice mixing with Cats players in a friendly environment during camp this week.

“It’s a bit of a weird feeling,” Birchall said.

“You’re playing with them and then in a few months’ time you’re out there trying to knock each others’ head off.

“It’s all been good fun.

“We’ve had such a great rivalry over the last few years and it’s great to get to know those guys.”

Alastair Clarkson has been put in charge of the Australian side, and Birchall said the three-time Hawthorn premiership coach was hungry to end the team’s losing run, which stands at four games.

“Clarko treats everything pretty seriously,” Birchall said.

“He’s looking forward to it … and he’s really keen for us to get a win on Saturday.”

Birchall is an accurate kick when it comes to the sherrin, but he won’t be trying anything too fancy with the round ball on Saturday night.

“Particularly running at pace it can get quite tricky,” he said.

“Some guys like to do the in-step, other guys like to kick on the out-step. Whatever suits.

“There’s a thing called the solo where you kick it up to yourself. But I don’t try any of that, I just keep it basic.”

Selwood has been named captain of the side which comprises either past or present All-Australian players.

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