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WA rivals join forces for Irish challenge

Nat Fyfe and Nic Naitanui at Patersons Stadium today. Pic: Sharon Smith/WA News

Nic Naitanui says it was his choice on whether to risk an interruption to his first full pre-season in four years by playing in this month's International Rules Test in Perth.

The West Coast ruckman has joined Dockers star Nat Fyfe in being selected for the clash against Ireland at Patersons Stadium on November 22.

Naitanui's inclusion in the star-studded 24-man squad comes despite this pre-season being the first since 2010 that he has not been recovering from surgery or injury.

He said he had weighed up the risk of getting hurt while playing in the showcase fixture, but decided he couldn't pass up the opportunity.

"I threw it up in the air when I first got asked with pre-season coming up and being fully fit," Naitanui said.

"For me I probably had a different option, whether to give it a miss and solely focus on completing a full pre-season (or play).

"But representing your country and doing that, you can't say no to that. I'm very proud and very privileged to play alongside some of the greats of the game and represent Australia.

"I might not get another chance. I couldn't let this opportunity pass me."

Fyfe said the change in criteria, allowing only players with at least one All-Australian guernsey to be selected, had convinced him to take part for the first time.

The reigning AFL Players' Association most valuable player will line up alongside other champions such as Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge and Geelong captain Joel Selwood.

"That was really enticing for me," Fyfe said.

"I have been asked to play before, but the club has pushed back a little bit due to the pre-season and the season coming up.

"When this model was presented, I think all players who were eligible were really excited at the opportunity to represent their country and play with such a talented group."