DANIEL Wells is a veteran of two International Rules Series but says being part of just the second all-indigenous touring party in Australian history is extra special.

The only other indigenous team to represent Australia overseas was the 1868 cricket team that played throughout England.

North Melbourne star Wells played in the 2003 and 2008 IRS contests and said the 21 players selected in this year's Australian team had had no hesitation in putting up their hands to be part of history.

"To have this in the latter part of my career, to go overseas as part of an all-indigenous side is something I won't forget," Wells said on Saturday ahead of the team flying out from Sydney Airport.

"Obviously with all the boys being indigenous it's a different vibe (to past International Rules Series).

"To play as the All-Stars, that's another good feeling, but to represent your country and to do it with an all-indigenous team is something special."

Wells said the Australian team did not know much about the Irish side it will take on in two Tests, at Cavan's Breffni Park on October 19 and at Dublin's Croke Park on October 26.

But he said Australian assistant Tadhg Kennelly would ensure the players were up to speed.

"Once we get over there Tadhg will definitely word us up, who we look out for, especially the defenders," Wells said.

"We'll know more than enough when we match up against them."

Australian coach Michael O'Loughlin said he had yet to settle on who would play the all-important role of goalkeeper.

"We've got about two or three guys that we're sort of trialling at the moment. We played a little bit at our practice session the other day and we were trying to find our feet," O'Loughlin said.

"There's a couple of guys who've shown potential and hopefully we'll be able to nut that out in the next couple of days."

Essendon tall Patrick Ryder trained with the Australian team in Melbourne on Friday, but did not fly out with the team on Saturday, staying at home with his wife, who is due to give birth soon.

O'Loughlin said he was hopeful Ryder would be able to join the Australian team later in the tour.

"He trained beautifully so we'd love to have him. But we'll have to wait and see when young bub comes out," O"Loughlin said.

Twitter: @AFL_Nick