THE IRISH International Rules team will aim to match Australia’s muscle, according to Irish captain Sean Cavanagh.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Cavanagh said there were no small players to be seen in a recent training game.

"From the game we had last Friday night there weren't too many players under six feet playing,” Cavanagh said.

"All in all, they're good football players as well and that's the emphasis that Sean (coach Sean Boylan) has put on it this year.

"Hopefully, it'll stand us in good stead and we'll be able to put in the challenges - put in the tackles which maybe we've failed to do in previous years."

Cavanagh’s county team Tyrone won the championship defeating Tadhg Kennelly’s native county of Kerry and he admits that while it’s been difficult for All-Ireland champions to turn their attention to the International Rules in the past, losing the last two series will provide motivation to do so later this month.

"The lads involved this year from Tyrone are all in it for the cause. They're not in it for the free holiday," he said.

"Some of the other guys might have enjoyed it for the break and a bit of sun down under the last time.

"I know I was only down last weekend, but there really is a good focus in the squad at the minute and hopefully we can carry it into the next few weeks."