VERY few things seem to worry Patrick Dangerfield but the star Crow revealed he felt nervous playing alongside some of the modern greats in Australia's International Rules practice match on Tuesday.

 

The Australian squad, comprised only of All Australian players, registered a comfortable win over a New South Wales Gaelic football representative side at Greater Western Sydney's training base.

 

Dangerfield said there were plenty of nerves and some rust during the match, but the players were better for the run.

 

"I think everyone was a little rusty early on, I know I certainly was," Dangerfield said.

 

"It was certainly a good hit-out but you're pretty nervous at the same time because of the calibre of players you are playing with."

 

The 24-year-old said he was in awe of some of his teammates and was trying to soak in as much of the experience as possible.

 

"It's been extraordinary really," Dangerfield said.

 

"To sit down with Luke Hodge, Nick Riewoldt, they are champions of the game and have been for the best part of 10-plus years.

 

"It's been a real eye-opener and something I have really enjoyed."

 

Dangerfield said kicking the round ball under pressure was easily the most difficult aspect of playing the hybrid game.

 

"I think just kicking the ball short," Dangerfield said.  

 

"It is really hard when the pressure is on and you're running at speed to try and control the ball.

 

"That is something that the Irish do really well because they are used to it, but it is something that I have struggled with."

 

Hawthorn triple premiership defender Grant Birchall, who is renown for his elite kicking skills with the Australian football, said the adjustment to the round ball is not easy.

 

"It's a bit more challenging, absolutely," Birchall said.

 

"Particularly running at pace."  

 

Birchall said Geelong star Steve Johnson has the led the way in terms of practicing with the round ball.

 

"He's been practicing everything," Birchall said.

 

"He gives everything a go, Stevie. But he's so talented. We all know what he's like so I'm sure he'll put in a good (performance) on Saturday."

 

The squad flew to Perth on Tuesday night with plenty of interest surrounding the fitness of Fremantle star Nat Fyfe, who hurt his shoulder late in the practice match.

 

Fremantle coach, and Australia's assistant coach, Ross Lyon confirmed that the injury was a minor AC joint sprain.

 

The players enjoyed a recovery session at Cottesloe beach on Wednesday with two training sessions at Patersons Stadium slated for Thursday and Friday.

 

The Irish squad has arrived in Perth and will train under lights at Patersons Stadium on Wednesday night.