Ireland captain Michael Murphy admitted they left themselves with too big a mountain to climb against Australia at the midway point of this morning's International Rules test in Perth.

Murphy & Co trailed their hosts by 28 points at the end of the second quarter and, speaking to Australia's Channel 7 afterwards, he said: "It's disappointing.

"I suppose the first two quarters, in particular, Australia were very dominant and turned that dominance into scores, got lots of quality 'overs'. They put a lot of pressure on us high up the pitch and through the midfield sector.

"They were accomplished with the round ball. I suppose those first two quarters were too tough for us to overcome. Once we started to get to grips with it and play them at their own game, we started to come into the game but just came up short in the end.

"Overall, I think Australia were deserving of the win."

The Donegal star was proud of the 'character' shown by the tourists during the third and four quarters.

"We have to be immensely proud of everybody the way they hung in there. On another day, with the  scoreline the way it was after the first two quarters, it might have been easy to throw in the towel a little bit. But in fairness to everyone they showed great character and that was an important thing to do. It was important for us as a team.

"As I say, we could have snatched it in the end, it wasn't to be. Australia deserved their win and we'll move on to next year."

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