Fyfe out of Ireland Rules Test
UPDATE: Fremantle star Nat Fyfe won't play in Saturday night's International Rules Test against Ireland after injuring his shoulder during a practice match in Sydney today.
Fyfe hurt his shoulder while diving for a mark late in the match and was immediately withdrawn from the game.
Fyfe said he was incredibly disappointed to miss the match in front of a Perth crowd.
"I've loved the experience over the last few days and meeting players from across the competition, and its incredibly disappointing to miss out," he said.
"I dived for a mark and simply landed the wrong way and it didn't feel right."
Fyfe played well throughout the practice match. He scored a goal, spent time in the ruck and was at his best floating across packs taking marks and running the ball forward.
He laid several tackles and while he winced after one, he continued playing.
The midfielder finished the game on the sidelines and was talking to staff as the rest of the squad thanked their opponents for the match. Fremantle coach Ross Lyon is part of the coaching panel for the series and showed no signs of concern leaving the field.
West Coast's Nic Naitanui was used in the centre ruck contests
Australia named only 24 players for the Test and 23 are required to play. So, the team can now ill afford to lose anyone else.
Australia demolished the NSW Gaelic team, allowing them just three scores for the match, booting six goals of their own and and winning 86-7.
North Melbourne star Brent Harvey scored two goals while Chad Wingard, Patrick Dangerfield, Nick Riewoldt and Fyfe registered one each.
Wingard was the most damaging player on the field as he sliced through the opposition defence.
Coach Alastair Clarkson utilised many of the tactics which led Hawthorn to the premiership as he constantly rotated his midfield.
Nic Naitanui, Riewoldt, Fyfe, Travis Boak and Dangerfield were among the players to compete in the centre ruck contests.
Brendon Goddard also played the second half as the goalkeeper after Dustin Fletcher had the job in the first half.
With seven club captains and two former captains in the team, the leadership was on show as players barked instructions.
Luke Hodge and Joel Selwood showed they will be bringing their famed aggression to the match with some bone jarring contests.
The Australians have now completed their camp in Sydney and will arrive in Perth tonight.
Port Adelaide's Chad Wingard in action against the NSW GAA side today
