The closest thing Australian Football has to a 'recognised' goalkeeper in the hybrid game is the oldest player in the League, Dustin Fletcher. In his absence, the crucial job seems likely to fall to first-year player, Zac Smith.

With the Australian game having no need for goalkeepers, the position has been a problem in the past (those with long memories may recall former Crow midfielder Simon Goodwin's effort in the goal in 2001).

Gold Coast ruckman Smith was given first chance in the goals at Australia's opening training session at the Whitten Oval on Sunday.

He made what his coach Rodney Eade described on Monday as a "slow start" as he attempted - with some degree of awkwardness - to throw his enormous 206cm frame in front of several point-blank shots from teammates.

But the 21-year-old, who played soccer as a defender as a junior, did make one spectacular one-handed reflex save, drawing loud cheers and high fives from the playing group.

Smith will work with Melbourne Victory goalkeeping coach Steve Mautone ahead of Tuesday night's practice match at Etihad Stadium.

Eade said that session would be "extremely important", with a final decision on whether the Suns big man gets the job "still up in the air a little bit".

However, the coach was encouraged by what he saw late in Sunday's training.

"He certainly adapted after a while," Eade said.

"I think he was a little bit nervous to start with, but I think we'll get more of an indication tomorrow."

Fletcher is one of the most capped International Rules players, appearing in the goals in 2010, '06 and '05.

He has an ankle injury this year and will not be able to play.

Smith's Gold Coast teammate Nathan Bock has also kept goal for Australia, in 2008, however he was one of the players who struggled with the intricacies of the position.

Australia won last year's series 2-0 in Ireland.