Was I nervous? No not really. I was excited to be playing again but was calm about it. I didn’t set myself any preconceived goals in terms of possessions or hit outs. I just wanted to compete and contribute again.
Running down the race and leading the boys out was a great feeling – one I really enjoyed. I tried to concentrate and the support from the crowd was fantastic.
I started on the bench and when I came on the ball came straight to me. Sando had the ball at half back and gave me a nice pass to get the first one under my belt.
The plan hadn’t been for me to spend much time in the ruck but I went in there and felt good. To get the win, play a part and be back playing was great – one of the days I will always remember.
I felt good after the game and was a bit sore the next day, but that was a feeling I had been missing since partway through last season.
The ankle gave me no problems and now it’s full steam ahead.
Let’s see what else you are asking this week.
We have won two rising star awards this year, Brent Moloney played eight games last year, does that mean he missed the cut off to be in with a chance of being nominated this year? Because his form so far this year has been fantastic, especially against Freo. – James Adair
SK: Good question James. I checked this one out with the powers that be and Brent is still eligible to be nominated for the award because he played less than 10 senior games. However, he got suspended after the Carlton game this season so even though he can win a weekly nomination, he will not be eligible to claim the award at the end of the season. The way he is playing though would have made him a real chance to take it out.
Will Steve Johnson play this week against Essendon and will David Loats play as well? – Marshal Smith
SK: Both guys are playing good footy in the VFL after fighting back from their injuries. We have a good problem at the moment – too many players going well to fit into the final 22. I know ‘Bomber’ mentioned this to the media yesterday, with guys like Bartel, Spriggs, Steve Johnson, Loats, Rooke, Koula, Tim Callan and Cameron Thurley.
Corey Enright who has been a regular for the past three or four years had to come back through the VFL after recovering from his broken wrist. That’s a great sign that we are developing good depth as a club.
I think both Loater and Steve will line up in the VFL again this week, but if they keep playing the way they are then it will be harder each week to leave them out.
When do you think Shannon Byrnes will be playing in the firsts for Geelong? – Eliza
SK: Shannon has been a bit unlucky this year. He was elevated from the rookie list during the pre-season when Will Slade went on the long-term injury list with osteitis pubis. Shannon played great football in the Wizard Cup but missed the grand final after hurting his hammy in the semi final win over Melbourne.
He would almost certainly have played in the opening games if he hadn’t been injured. Now Will is back playing and so Shannon has gone back to the rookie list. He’s still playing well and he should be on the senior list come 2005.
What do you think of Kane Tenace? Do you reckon he'll keep up the good form? – Pamela
SK: Kane has made a great impression since coming in against the Blues. You always hear that injuries provide players with opportunities and Kane is a great example. He came in when we had a lot of guys out and really took his chances. Now he’s playing like a veteran rather than a seven game player. First year players sometimes ‘burn out’ as the year goes on, but the coaches have good experience in managing young guys – we’ve had so many in recent years!!
