A crowd of 70,000 is expected at tomorrow's first Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The level of media interest here has been high and the AFL has committed itself to an extensive advertising and promotional campaign.

The projected attendance is based on pre-sales for the match, running yesterday at 12,000. This might seem a slim premise for such a large crowd but traditionally sports events in Melbourne have drawn heavily on walk-in support.

Two years ago, AFL President Wayne Jackson hoped for a crowd of 60,000 in the face of smaller pre-sales and aroused much scepticism amongst the travelling media. But over 65,000 did turn out. The figure for tickets sold mid-week before the first Test in 1999 was a paltry 1,000.

The lead-up to the match has had to battle for media space against the trade deadline for Australian Rules clubs. But despite the intense interest in this phenomenon (whereby clubs acquire and offload players, often in an attempt to stay within the salary cap), the international match has had a daily presence in the newspapers.

GAA PRO Danny Lynch says a record number of accreditations, 21, has been sought from Irish media organisations. Former Roscommon footballer Paul Earley, uncle of Ireland player Dermot, is being flown out by Australia's Channel Nine to act as an analyst for the match broadcast. RT╔ have signed up former Kerry minor Sean Wight for their coverage. Wight, originally from Scotland, went on to have a successful career in Australian Rules.

An unexpected indication of interest is the presence of the new Ireland jersey in the shops in Melbourne, selling at a saucy 125 Australian dollars, roughly £55.