Star Bomber full forward Matthew Lloyd will play his first International Rules Test since 1998 when he represents Australia against the Irish at the MCG this Friday night. Lloyd toured Ireland with the Australians in 1998 and was unavailable for the past two series due to injury. He says it has taken some time to pick up the skills again - particularly kicking and controlling the round ball.

""In Australian Rules football you are taught not to kick around corners but it is something you need to do with the round ball,"" Lloyd said. ""Jim Stynes has been working pretty hard with us on those skills and we are improving although a lot of the boys get a bit sore in the groin because they aren't used to kicking that way.""

Stynes is one of a number of coaches the Australians have - Gerard Healy, Graham Cornes and Robert Walls are also a apart of the panel while Garry Lyon oversees all operations as the head coach.

""We had a practice match recently against the Australian Under 18 team to try and work on the skills and get used to the rule changes again. Andrew McLeod was the standout - he is just one of those naturally skilled players who probably succeed at any sport he tried,"" Lloyd said.

""Of the Essendon players it wouldn't surprise many that Adam Rananauskas picked the game up very quickly. He was only just added to the squad but his basketball background and skill level has seen him adapt pretty quickly. Blake Caracella has also looked sharp - he starred in Ireland last year and will go well again.""

Lloyd said he had spoken with traded Essendon defender Damien Hardwick at a recent training session. ""He was initially disappointed but I think he is now looking forward to the prospect,"" Lloyd said. ""It has been a bit strange seeing him talking to the Port boys at training. Mark Williams has spoken to him and told him he will get more chances in the mid-field so I think he and his family are now looking forward to the move.""