It’s a long way from the SCG or the MCG, but we enjoy getting out and playing footy in the country. It reminds me of my junior footy days, when you’d travel around NSW to play rep games in places like Wagga.
It was an interesting flight yesterday on a pretty small propeller plane. I didn’t mind it but a few of the boys got a bit jumpy, especially Craig Bolton. He has a fear of flying and gets sweaty palms, so he was holding on to Goodesy’s arm for the entire flight.
We had dinner at the local RSL last night and we’re staying at a nice little motor inn and just relaxing before tonight’s game against North Melbourne. It’s different playing in a place like this. For a start we have to get all our strapping done in the motel room before we go to the ground, because there isn’t enough space in the rooms.
The main thing is that the ground at Narrandera is always in really good condition, and we get a great crowd along to watch us.
There’s also a fantastic bakery here which picks up plenty of business when the Swans are in town. In fact, I think the coaches are holding a meeting there right now, and scoffing down a few pastries and pies at the same time.
It’s our last practice game before the season starts, so tonight will be like a full dress rehearsal for round one, our big game against St Kilda at ANZ Stadium on March 27. Everyone will get a lot of game time tonight and there will be a few people fighting for spots, which is good.
Overall I think we’ve performed well during the pre-season. There are a lot of new faces and we’ve really started to gel as a unit.
I’ve been impressed by Heath Grundy’s work in the backline during the last few matches. He’s really stepped up another level from last year. And he is sitting in the seat behind me in the bus, so I thought I’d better mention him! He’s sitting with Bevo, who’s been good in his new role as a small forward this pre-season.
Anyway, these boys are very noisy on the bus, so I’d better go. There’s plenty to do here in Narrandera, and I bet you didn’t know there is a giant guitar in the visitors centre that you can actually play. Not sure if anyone can strum Cheer Cheer…
