Kearney was pleased with his side's enthusiasm four days out from the tournament final but said they were mindful of the immense challenge they face against the world champion Kangaroos.
"There's a bounce of excitement within the group already today. I could just sense that the lads have a bit of excitement.
"Obviously we're playing for a title. The Four Nations title is on the line on Saturday so I'd be disappointed if they weren't excited.
"We've kept things fairly similar to what we have done over the last few weeks but also [we're] understanding that Australia played really well against Samoa on the weekend and against England the week before, so knowing that we're going to have a really big challenge on our hands on Saturday."
Meanwhile, the Kangaroos are struggling with their own turbulent build-up, with as many as five of their players in quarantine after a virus struck their camp yesterday morning.
Tim Sheens' side were forced to cancel their training session and their run of bad luck continued when their arrival at a civic reception was delayed half an hour after their bus went to the wrong venue.
Kearney would not be drawn on discussing the problems facing the opposition but was certain the 17 players who take the field in the green and gold would be fit and ready on Saturday.
"Our focus right from the start has been on making sure that our preparation is right and that's no different this week, last week, the week before," Kearney said. "I'm sure they'll be ready to play, whoever it is, but our focus is purely on us."
Kearney reiterated the point that the Kiwis are looking to build upon the efforts from Saturday's hard-fought win over England in Dunedin.
Earning the right to develop second-phase play through offloads would come to whichever team could gain the ascendancy in the forwards, while the Kiwis are aiming to defend strongly to prevent the Kangaroos from enjoying the same opportunities.
"We've identified areas that we need to improve on from last weekend's game and worked on those over the last couple of days and hope to take that to the stadium on Saturday.
"The one thing that we've focused on throughout the tournament is creating platforms for those [offloading] opportunities to happen and if we're not doing that then it is difficult," he said.
"It's the same when we are defending that sort of situation, we want to be able to take that opportunity away from the opposition so it works both ways.
"Unless you're laying a platform and building momentum then those opportunities are pretty rare."
Chance for final glory has Brown buzzing
Lewis Brown's good fortune in winning selection for Saturday's Four Nations final has come at the expense of his injured Kiwis roommate Thomas Leuluai.
The utility player has looked impressive off the bench in the hooking role in his two outings for the tournament so far, scoring a vital try against the Kangaroos in the Kiwis' opening match in Brisbane, and injecting plenty of spark into their attack during their win over Samoa in Whangarei.
The versatile 28-year-old was not required for Saturday's narrow win over England in Dunedin but is excited to be included in the 17-man squad to play at Westpac Stadium.
"I'm really excited to get the call-up," Brown said. "After the weekend's game, obviously not being involved, Steve [Kearney] said that Thomas had a problem with his shoulder and just to get prepared just in case.
"He's told me just to go out there and play my own game and I've got encouragement from the whole team and I'm really looking forward to it.
"Unluckily for Tommy a shoulder injury has occurred. He's been my roomie for the whole tour and I really feel for him."
The Christchurch-born former Warrior turned Panther played five tests for the Kiwis between 2010 and 2011 but previously admitted to thinking his time in the black jersey was finished.
Now he finds himself lining up in one of the biggest games of his career, capping a tremendous season that saw his Penrith side go within one game of the NRL grand final.
"You dream of playing in finals and big games and it doesn't get any bigger [than] this Saturday night. Representing my country is something I've always wanted to do since I was a little kid."
The Kiwis' status as underdogs sits just fine with Brown, after becoming accustomed to the role with the underrated Panthers.
"Australia always seem to be favourites. I've dealt with the underdog tag all year being at the Panthers. No one gave us a chance and that sat quite well with me. I love being the underdog and love people writing you off, it's a good story."
After having struggled in the past with his identity as a utility player, Brown has learned to embrace the tag.
"You've got to try and change the game and just bringing the energy, that's what we've built our game around this whole tournament. I'll hopefully be doing the same this Saturday night."
