When the siren sounded on Saturday and the realisation set in that we had made it into the Grand Final there were a lot of emotions.
There was a feeling of excitement and a bit of relief too, but we all tried to not be too up and about because there was still another step to go.
Coming off the ground and seeing the response from our teammates in the stand was really special. There was just so much excitement and I was so happy for the whole club.
Joel brought us together post-game and acknowledged the contribution of all 46 players. This really has been a collective effort and I was so pleased that those of us that got the opportunity to play were able to get the job done.
The win also had us thinking about all of the Geelong staff and members that are at home and those that have been stood down as a result of Covid. We’re thinking of their contribution to our journey. It’s every bit as much their journey as it is the players’.
It is a really exciting week and you know there is just one more to go, it’s one more effort for four more quarters and it is business as usual now to prepare like we have been preparing and doing whatever we can to get up for the weekend.
I have been stunned by the support I have received from back home. It is a world away and it just goes to show how globalisation has impacted and everyone can access everything that is happening on the other side of the world. So, I was a bit overwhelmed by all of the messaging from back home, but in one way I wasn’t surprised because people have always supported me from Dingle in particular, who just get on the phone and message and show their support, it’s been overwhelming.
The hunger amongst the group for success is huge. It is what we all aspire to do and it is just comforting to know that there are guys that have done it before and the guys that haven’t are obviously going to give it their all and prepare as best we can to help those guys win another one and help us younger guys win the first one.
When I run up the race and onto the ground I will be in the present, I will soak it all in and enjoy it. I think I play my best footy when I am enjoying it and I plan to do that again on Saturday.
Although the stakes are higher, it is still just another game of football, the rules don’t change, it’s the same game at the end of the day but I will enjoy it and stay focused.
