Australian coach Garry Lyon has refused to offer excuses for his side's 77-41 International Rules first Test drubbing at the hands of Ireland.
Lyon, who travels westwards with his squad today, has never had to overturn a deficit in his three previous years as boss. But he's not giving in yet.
"We'll sit down this week and prepare as best we can," said the former Melbourne skipper. "We'll come back here next Sunday with a fair bit of ground to make up, some reputations to be restored and some respect to be won."
17 overs and a hat-trick of goals from Steven McDonnell, Mattie Forde and Irish captain Pádhraic Joyce left Lyon in no doubt as to the desire of Pete McGrath's side for a first Irish series win since 2001.
"Ireland were great; too quick, too skilled, finished far better than us and showed us up in every facet of the game. They were fantastic. They are clearly the best group we have come up against in my time," he said.
Sydney Swans defender Jared Crouch is definitely out of the second Test with a broken collarbone, but All-Australian forward Matt Lappin and Sydney youngster Jude Bolton could return from thigh strains.
