"That's about all we know," he laughed. "It's been raining there and also that the grounds are pretty good."

The 36-year-old is classed as a veteran with this year's cup, which kicks off in Melbourne tomorrow, his third.

"I'm definitely one of the old bats of the team," he said.

Leyhane made the switch from kicking the world's football to Australia's football 15 years ago.

"I was a soccer player," he said. "My buddy's mate from Australia brought a football over one day.

"I didn't know much about the game but I tried it, loved it and here I am."

The Toronto resident, who plays Australian rules for the Broadview Hawks back home in a 10-team league, said Canada Northwind were looking forward to showcasing its talent when it clashes with Ireland.

The blockbuster will be played at Reid Oval on Monday at 11am.

"We haven't seen Finland or Sweden, but Ireland is probably the top side in our group," Leyhane said. "It's going to be a tough match."

The Northwind have a south-west connection, with assistant coach Scott Sheen originally from Allansford, where he played in two of the Cats' under 18 premierships.

He also suited up with Western Border club Hamilton Imperials and the Mininera and District league's Glenthompson-Dunkeld. He is the coach of the Vancouver Saints and has worked closely with a pair of Vancouver-based players in the Canadian side ahead of the cup.

Spectators should keep an eye on the duo - backman Clayton Holmes and ruckman James Maitland.

Maitland is also known as "Big Jim" because he towers over many of his teammates at 196 centimetres.

While Holmes is competing in his third cup, Maitland, who is assistant coach of Sheen's Saints, will make his international debut at this year's tournament.