The opening test of the series was played at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, the second time the venue had hosted an international rules game, with the first match in
2005. In front of a crowd of 22,921,
Ireland beat their
Australian opponents by a record 44-point margin. The margin was the biggest in the series history, eclipsing the 38-point Australian win in the second test of the
2006 Series. Ireland's score of 80 points was also the biggest Irish score in the history of the series, whilst Australia's 36 points was the lowest Australian score since
1990. Ireland took a quick lead, scoring 4 'overs' and 1 goal before Australia managed a major score. Leading by 18 points at the first break, Ireland increased their lead in the second quarter and dominated Australia in general possession. The home side scored their first goal of the series, with captain
Brad Green making the most of an error from Irish skipper and goalkeeper
Stephen Cluxton. The third quarter briefly erupted with a fight as Ireland's Kevin Reilly approached the Australian huddle after a break in play as a result of a concussion to Emmet Bolton. The ensuing fight was stopped and no player was reported or sent off. Australia failed to threaten despite some improved possession in the midfield, as Ireland scored 5 overs to 1 in the quarter. The fourth quarter saw goals for
Leighton Glynn and
Kieran Donaghy extending the lead. Ireland manager
Anthony Tohill stated post-match that the experience of Ireland's AFL players was "huge", whilst his opposite number
Rodney Eade lamented his side's lack of physicality, stating that the
Australians were "too nice" in attempting to maintain the spirit of the game. He praised the "kicking skills" of the Irish team and promised a more physical Australian side for the second test.
Jake King of Australia was ruled out before the second test due to a knee injury that would also disrupt his pre-season training for
Richmond.
Brisbane Lions footballer
Joel Patfull replaced him in the side Another disappointing crowd of 12,545 attended the match, making the cumulative crowd of approximately 35,000, one of the lowest in series history. Ireland were superior for the duration of the match, leading every quarter and pulling away thanks to a clever goal from
Leighton Glynn in the second quarter. Trailing by 11 points at halftime,
Australia managed just one over for the rest of the match, as Ireland's superior finishing skills proved decisive again. The third quarter descended into virtual madness, however, with several minor fights and scuffles very nearly turning into genuine brawls. In total, five players were yellow-carded (sent off for 10 minutes) in a spiteful third quarter. Ireland wrapped up the test in the last quarter, finishing with three overs to one and recording a 21-point test match win, and a 65-point series victory (130-65 on aggregate). Whilst continual speculation remained over the immediate future of the series, on account of supposed Australian apathy, in terms of crowd attendance and player interest,
GAA director general
Paraic Duffy announced that the series would resume as planned in the years 2013 and 2014. After this series,
Geelong premiership midfielder
James Kelly was awarded the
Jim Stynes Medal for being Australia's best player, whilst dual
All-Ireland and
AFL Premiership medalist
Tadhg Kennelly won the
GAA Medal for being the Irish player of the series. ==See also==