Stynes bullish ahead of Ireland clash
Wednesday, 19 October 2005 15:10He may be Ireland's greatest Aussie Rules exponent, but Jim Stynes has his feet firmly planted in the Australian camp for Friday's first International Rules Test in Perth.
An All-Ireland minor medal winner with Dublin in 1984, Stynes played an AFL record of 263 consecutive games Down Under for the Melbourne Demons and also won the Brownlow Medal - Aussie Rules' player of the year honour - in 1991.
The 39-year-old, who is assistant coach to Australian supremo Kevin Sheedy, is well-judged to comment on the impending two Test match-up between Pete McGrath's Ireland and the Aussies.
Stynes represented Australia in 1987 and then, three years later, helped Ireland to victory.
The former ruckman reckons Ireland's defence - or lack of it - will help Sheedy's side on their way to regaining the Cormac McAnallen Cup.
"I think our speed will help us, but our competitiveness will be the key," Stynes told afl.com.au.
"We should be able to win more of the 50/50 balls because we are professional athletes and we are attacking as well as defensive.
"A lot of the Irish players, they don't defend very well, they are all burst players and I am hoping that will give us an edge," he added, handing the Irish rearguard no amount of motivational fodder for the Perth opener.
