Aidan O'Shea says Ireland focused on making a fast start in Saturday's International Rules Test against Australia after struggling in the early stages in Perth last year.

The Mayo star's two first-half goals helped Ireland lead 43-23 at half-time at Croke Park and the Irish needed that cushion in the second half as Australia fought back to trail only 56-52 at full time.

"We played really well in the first two quarters but probably lost our shape a bit during the rest of the game," added O'Shea.