And I know my week sure has been different to that of 2007.
While no-one is stressing and we’re all pretty mellow, I can say everyone is really excited about this weekend and taking on Hawthorn in the AFL grand final.
We’re certainly not taking our second straight grand final for granted. We know how lucky we are to get another crack at a premiership, as that’s what every club strives for each year.
I’m like most Victorians. I’m pretty proud and passionate when it comes to state footy, and the fact that we’re taking on another Victorian side probably adds something to this match.
While I’m not really into the whole 1989 rivalry thing, it’s been a while since two Victorian sides have played in a grand final. So to play a really good side like Hawthorn will make Saturday really special.
I think having two Victorian sides will also make Friday’s grand final parade sensational as well.
I’ll definitely try to enjoy that just as much as last year. Bomber emphasises the need for us to try to enjoy the experience. After all, we’re football supporters just as much as we are players.
Preparation wise, it really has just been business as usual for us down here throughout the week.
I guess Thursday’s final training session at Skilled Stadium was a little different from usual, with around 8000 people turning up to support us. But that was fantastic and just another part of it all.
Individually, I know my week has been a little easier to manage than last year when I had just won the Brownlow Medal.
I haven’t had as much to do which has helped me relax.
I haven’t had to do any media commitments or anything like that, I’ve just been able to soak up the week and go through what I normally would any other week.
Last year, obviously people wanted to hear what I had to say given I’d just won the League’s highest award, while I also had a few other dramas with my family on the front page and that sort of thing.
That was a bit of a stressful week to be honest, and I’m glad I haven’t had to worry about any of that this week. I’ve just been able to get on with my footy and worry about everything else that I normally would.
That includes cleaning the house, paying the bills, taking care of the dog and doing my homework!
I do a bit of study online, so that keeps me busy and can help keep my mind off footy at times, as you don’t want to play the game in your head before it comes along.
I’m actually doing a course in sports administration and commercial law, so hopefully one day I’ll take Balmey or Cookie’s job. At least that’s my plan.
But hopefully I’ve got a bit of footy left in me yet. And hopefully come Saturday night, I’ve got another premiership medal.
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More Jimmy Bartel
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The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
