However, rather then focusing on the potential outcome of the game we knew that the best thing for us to do would be to focus on the process of how to win the game.
Funny things can happen in round 22. If you look too far ahead, the final round can be a trap. I’ve got memories of watching wooden spooners Fitzroy overpower first place West Coast Eagles in the 90’s when the Eagles were dominating the season, and Fitzroy were struggling. (It’s funny how easily I remember football results, yet can’t remember anything from five years of Japanese classes at school).
Despite the fact Brisbane have not been able to make the finals this year, we knew the Lions would want to finish off their season on a high and they’d come out hard.
Due to niggles, Tadhg and Dan Hannebery didn’t play, and that gave 18-year-old Sam Reid an opportunity to make his debut. He performed his role as a tall target up forward incredibly well, especially considering he only found out just before the game that he was playing!
Shane Mumford and Craig Bolton made the trip north too. I can understand Craig’s motivations for coming up as he is a co-captain and likes to witness the games first-hand whilst he is out with injury. To a certain extent this is true for Shane as well, but I believe his main motivation was the buffet meals we get at the hotel.
We didn’t get off to an ideal start. Despite this, we had a solid third quarter and fortunately Kieren Jack was kicking goals from everywhere. We were able to pull away in the third quarter and hold onto a lead for the remainder of the game.
After the game we had our customary post-game meal and Kieren Jack continued to remind people of the goals he kicked. Not surprisingly after a recent incident in Perth involving Jesse White and I swapping the béarnaise sauce with the custard, most people were hesitant to try the custard. As always, Shane Mumford was BOB (Best on Buffet).
We have now moved on from last weekend’s game, to focus on this weekend’s game. As always before we play at ANZ Stadium, we’ll train there Friday afternoon. The week will be kept as normal as possible. Recovery, weights, meetings, yoga, skills all scheduled as per usual. Emphasis will be placed on making sure all the little things are being done right and we go into the game in the best possible shape.
Tadhg, Dan Hannebery and Sugar Shane Mumford will all be out to prove their return to fitness. Glenn Suter, our property steward, will be out trying to replace Brett Kirk’s jumper which is now in Simon Black’s custody. The rest of us players will be out to train the best we can this week to get ourselves right for the weekend.
Hope to see you there!
Ted Richards
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