SteveJohnson has recently given his take on his International Rules Seriesexperience on his blog at steviejohnson.com.au
Playing ina side populated by current AFL stars including Jobe Watson, Nick Riewoldt,Luke Hodge and Travis Boak, Johnson detailed his experience in the week leadingup to the match in Perth on November 22.
It was along-standing ambition of Johnson’s to represent his country and the great codeof Australian Rules Football, and it was a week he will never forget.
“As thegame got closer meetings were happening every day, it’s fair to say I actuallylooked forward to these as we had the chance to listen to two of the very bestcoaches in the completion in (Alistair) Clarkson and Ross Lyon – along with myown coach Chris Scott,” Johnson said.
“I knew bytheir preparation and delivery that this was a win at all costs mentality forthe Australian team.
“A videoshared by Alistair before the game gave us a good indication of what he neededfrom us, it basically gave us the reminder that no matter how talented we areas players it means nothing unless each individual is prepared to do what ittakes to make the team a better team.”
AlistairClarkson and his coaching team clearly got it right. The Australian team gotoff to a flying start, and took a 35-7 lead into half time. They then went onto claim victory 56-46.
“I feelprivileged to have had the chance to play with every one of the players thattook the field and must admit given a had little expectation of becoming closewith any of the players, but I now feel as if I have developed some pretty goodfriendships from the experience.
“Sure, there isa risk of injury which has been well documented in the past but the upside isalso enormous, I’m sure the young guns of the competition that were selected toplay would have taken some invaluable tools from being around such anelite group for a week and will only benefit from the experience.
“I wish I had thechance to be part of the experience much earlier than I did, but I’m sograteful the chance came around at long last.”
