Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe took a round ball on a month-long holiday to Europe recently to ensure he was ready for the International Rules Series against Ireland next week.
Fyfe was joined by his Australian teammate, West Coast’s Nic Naitanui, to help promote the match, which will take place at Patersons Stadium on Saturday 22 November.
The pair revealed the AFL sent all the Australian players a round ball so they could practice.
Fyfe took his around the world.
“I was kicking it all through Portugal and Eastern Europe and up in Scandinavia,” he said.
“I’m starting to really acclimatise to it. It’s a different technique, a new skill.
“We’ve been instructed to kick over 20-25 metres and master that skill.
“It’s a challenge and I’ve really enjoyed learning how to kick it.”
Fyfe said former Gaelic football star and Sydney premiership player Tadgh Kennelly had also given the Aussie players some tips.
“Either the outside of the foot or the inside of the foot, like the traditional snap, are the two techniques that work best,” Fyfe said.
“If you try and kick it like a drop punt it can go anywhere.”
The Australian have not trained together yet, but they have been sent instructional emails on how senior coach Alastair Clarkson wants them to play.
Fyfe also revealed he would wear number six against Ireland, not the number seven Freo fans have been accustomed to seeing him star in.
“Who’s got number seven was my initial thought,” Fyfe joked.
“I think (Geelong’s) Harry Taylor has probably taken it.” Fyfe added it would be a huge privilege to don the Australian green and gold colours for the first time.
“I have a mate, Aran Zalewski, who plays hockey for Australia and I’ve always been really jealous of him wearing the Australian colours, so I’m really humbled and really privileged to be wearing it,” Fyfe said.
And he had a message for the fans ahead of the game against Ireland.
“I’m probably in the best off-season fitness I’ve been in my career,” he said.
“I’ve been training hard while I’m away and I’m ready to play.”
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