Sydney Swans star Adam Goodes says the Indigenous All Stars will be driven by a desire to wipe away last weekend’s insipid performance when they confront Ireland in the second International Rules Test in Dublin.
Australia were soundly beaten 57-35 in Cavan meaning they’ll need to win by at least 23 points on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEDT) to clinch the series.
Goodes, who is still recovering from a season-ending knee injury, has been in camp this week acting as a go-between for players and coaching staff.
He’ll also deliver special comments on Irish TV from Croke Park.
“They are playing for pride,” Goodes said of the All Stars.
“(Coach) Michael O’Loughlin has already questioned the effort and from the footage that I’ve seen I definitely wouldn’t like to be remembered for the way that I played in the first game up at Cavan.”
Goodes, who captained Australia in the 2010 series in Ireland, expects the all-indigenous team to be a lot more skilful after another week of training with the round ball.
He said the key to winning was reducing the impact of turnovers.
In Cavan the Irish often gained possession then ran the length of ground to score.
“If we turn it over we have to win it back as soon as possible,” Goodes told AAP.
“We just need better effort when we haven’t got the ball.”
The dual Brownlow medallist acknowledged his size and muscle would have really bolstered the All Stars.
Goodes also missed the indigenous side’s February clash against Richmond in Alice Springs.
“I’m shattered I couldn’t be out there playing but I’m a big boy and everything happens for a reason,” he said.
While some have suggested interest in the international rules series is waning and its future could be in doubt, the 33-year-old dual premiership player insists the hybrid game is a winner.
Goodes said he’d heard from the boss of the GAA and the AFL’s Gill McLachlan “how much both organisations are behind the series”.
“So I don’t know where people are getting that information about ‘Should the series stop?’
“Why would you stop something that gives both countries’ players an opportunity to represent their country.
Goodes said it would be great for the Indigenous All Stars to host Ireland back in Australia in the future “so we can share a bit of our culture as they’ve been able to do”.