JARROD Harbrow’s zen-like composure and polished skills were not enough to catapult Australia to victory in the First Test of the International Rules Series, with Ireland withstanding a late charge from the Aussies to run out 22-point winners at Breffni Park.
Alongside Demon’s retiree Aaron Davey and Cat Steven Motlop, the Gold Coaster led the Australian team through the indigenous war cry during the pre-game, before taking to the field with his usual No. 5 Guernsey on his back.
Playing deep in defence, Harbrow did his best to neutralise Ireland’s ability to hit the scoreboard.
After leading by 25-points at the 13-minute mark of the third quarter the home team appeared to have had secured a comfortable win, but the Aussies found life as they put together a spirited chase, kicking the next three overs to get within eight points at the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter.
And the margin would have been reduced to just two points had it not been for an uncharacteristic error by Steven Motlop, with the Cat’s young gun missing a certain major directly in front of goal.
Irish’s Kevin McLoughlin went on to kick the host’s second goal, all but putting the final result beyond doubt.
Disappointed with the loss, Australian coach Michael O’Loughlin accepted his skills errors were inevitable as his team adjusted to the hybrid series, but had hoped for a more competitive showing from his playing group.
"I was really disappointed in some of our efforts," O'Loughlin told AFL.com.au.
"Our ability to apply pressure was non-existent in that first half and for a team that prides itself on pressure and being able to chase and tackle and that unrelenting presence, it was disappointing – that's the harsh reality of it.
"I think our guys got a really big wake-up call tonight. So some guys got found out that their efforts and their pressure needs to be at a higher standard than what it was."
Knowing his team will have to win the Second Test by at least 23 points to claim the Cormac McAnnellen Perpetual Trophy, O’Loughlin said his team would be ready for the challenge.
"It's going to be tough, absolutely, really, really tough. But stranger things have happened," he said.