DARREN Burgess will act as the fitness coach for the Australian team in the upcoming International Rules test match in Perth.



The Port Adelaide high performance manager will be responsible for game day player management and ensuring players return to their clubs in the best possible condition.



He told portadelaidefc.com.au the expectations of him in the national team role are different to his day-to-day work at Alberton.



"You assume the players are coming into the team fit and don't need to have their fitness improved," Burgess said.



"I'm particularly responsible for getting them back to their teams in the best possible condition.



"It's similar to what I did with the Socceroos, where you had expensive players that needed to go back to their regular teams."



The Australian team will be headed by 2014 premiership coach Alastair Clarkson and Power players Travis Boak, Robbie Gray and Chad Wingard are in the extended squad.



The loads on players will be reduced in this year's series, which features just one test match against the Irish.



With just four 18-minute quarters and modified rules to reduce contact central to the 'International' code, Burgess says the lightened load on players is a good thing.



But their legs will be tested on November 22.



"It's a good thing from a load perspective, and it's just four 18-minute quarters, so individual players won't play too much," Burgess said.



"It's a lot quicker with more running, smaller pitch dimensions - it's a really high-paced and high-tempo game.



"They players will know they're working."



His commitment to the Australia team will mean Burgess misses the first week of Port Adelaide's pre-season campaign.



Instead, the management of the 1-4 year playing group, which returns next week, will fall to his team of fitness deputies.



"I'll miss the first week, which is a bit disappointing because you like to be involved and make an early impact," said Burgess.



"But it's only half the squad returning on Monday and we've got good staff here to manage their first week back with no problems."



portadelaidefc.com.au will preview the 2014/15 summer pre-season with Burgess on Thursday.

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