BERNARD: I'LL TAKE OUT FRUSTRATIONS IN OZ.

Byline: By ORLA BANNON

BERNARD Brogan can't wait to get his first taste of International Rules football.

The Dublin forward has had a frustrating year with injury and suspension but wants to end 2008 on a high and a series win over Australia.

He was one of the stars of the '07 championship - his first full season as a regular on the Dublin team - but has had to wait for the series to be resurrected this year to savour the international dimension.

"It's a great honour, the year didn't go that well with suspension and injury so it's great to get something out of the year," he said.

"I hope we can go over and put up a good fight against these boys.

"There's a lot of rookies on our team but there's also a lot of good footballers so we're well tuned in for what we need to do." Brogan's older brother Alan was Player of the Series in 2006 but is unavailable to travel this time as his girlfriend is expecting a baby.

The advice he has passed on to Bernard going into this month's action is to stay lively and avoid the big hits at all costs.

"There will be a lot of physical stuff but we'd be hoping it would be cleaner this time," added Bernard.

"We're going to go out and try to beat them playing football, I'm sure Australia are the same way.

"There was a lot of emphasis on the big tackles and illegal stuff last time but we'll see who comes out the other end just playing football."

CAPTION(S):

TRAINING Brogan puts in some practice against Graham Canty yesterday