Dustin Fletcher headlines the 22 man team named to represent Australia in a one off Test against Ireland next month.

The recently retired Essendon defender will be one of the side’s most experienced players.

“I’ve played in five series now and I’m lucky enough we’ve won every one of them,” Fletcher said. 

“It’s going to be a big challenge in Ireland.

“The body is really good.  I’ve had those four or five weeks off which I needed during the season.

“Being able to train by yourself and maybe not kick the footy around as much… I feel really good.”

Brendon Goddard has been named in the International Rules squad for the third time, while Dyson Heppell will be making his first appearance.

“I think 'Dys' on the left foot, he’ll play the game quite well,” Fletcher said.

“He reads the play really well and is able to get to contests really well so I think he’ll be really good at the game.

“With a bit of luck I can meet with him in the next couple of weeks and have a bit of a kick because it is a different ball to kick around, but he’s good learner 'Dys' and I think he’ll play well."

Fletcher announced his retirement nearing the end of the home and away season.

After 400 AFL games he waved goodbye to fans during a lap of honour on Grand Final day.

“It was actually quite a good moment,” he said.

“It’s the first time I’d been back over that side under the change rooms where we ran out back in 93’ and 2000… so many happy memories.

“To do it in front of 90,000 people was pretty special.

“It got a little bit emotional, probably the most emotional I’ve been but it’s all done and dusted now and I look forward to the next part of my career.”