THE Australian International Rules side, led by Sydney Swans co-captain Adam Goodes, departed Australia on Saturday night, bound for Ireland. 

Goodes was named as captain in Melbourne on Friday, and said it was a proud moment.

"I'm really honoured by the position, to represent these young blokes here because it is a huge thing," Goodes said after the announcement.

"I saw Ricky Ponting get off the plane saying he still wants to be Australian captain, and to be named Australian captain and be put in that sort of list is just a huge thing for me and hopefully I can serve the boys well."

The two-test International Rules Series, to start in Limerick on Saturday, will feature five Swans players:  Goodes, Jarrad McVeigh and 2010 Club Champion Kieren Jack, as well as Tadhg Kennelly and Chris McKaigue who are expected to be named in the Irish team. 

This is the second time Goodes has been part of the Australian squad to take on Ireland - his first appearance was in 2001.

This year’s squad will also showcase some of the AFL’s best players including Collingwood’s Dane Swan and Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt.

Before they left Australia, coach Mick Malthouse said he was pleased with the squad, despite its inexperience with the round ball.

"Twenty of our 23 have played in finals footy, which as we know is quite testing," Malthouse said.

"We've had five players that have been premiers, 10 in grand finals, we've got seven All Australians, we've got leading goal-kickers, best and fairest winners, and a Brownlow medallist.”

The first Test will be held in Limerick on October 23, and the final Test will be in Dublin on October 30.

Malthouse said that while reclaiming the title won by Ireland two years ago was paramount, it was important to maintain goodwill between the countries.

"We want to take that cup back off them," he said.

"[In 2008], it was played fairly, it was played hard, it was played to win and we don't expect any difference.”

Get behind the 2010 International Rules Series by joining in the conversation on Twitter: use #IR2010 in your tweets and to follow the team’s progress.

The Australian Rules Team finalise preparations in Melbourne: