Stevo's Diary: Part 2
There was no shortage of people reminding me how lucky I was that the sun wasn’t out too much while we were swimming on Friday morning. While the weather was very pleasant and the water a very comfortable temperature all the boys joked about how I needed some sun to give my skin some colour, but not too much of course. It is no secret that I have very fair skin so it is always a topic of conversation when we come to a warmer climate.
Lunch on Friday was back at the hotel and then we had a few hours to ourselves before the bus left for our training run at the Gabba. This time was for any medical treatment or massages or whatever we liked. Some guys have a rest in their rooms, others walk around the city and enjoy a coffee. It is great to be able to walk around pretty much unknown even when we are walking in small groups. With an international rugby union match being played here this weekend there are plenty of people wandering around the city, and a number certainly enjoying some time off.
While AFL players may not be well known on the streets of Brisbane some will always be recognized. At our hotel as we were waiting in the foyer to leave for training at the Gabba a wedding party was having some photos taken on the staircase. (The hotel is very popular for wedding parties). The family was delighted to see the Carlton players and couldn’t resist asking the captain to join them for a couple of photos. The ever obliging Chris Judd went over and met the wedding party and had a few photos taken, much to the delight of the family and to the laughter of the team. “We will tell Bec you are practicing” was the call from a couple of the boys.
The bus trip to the Gabba was very quick. Once inside the rooms we had a meeting before heading out for a brief training session. The lights are programmed to turn on at 5:45pm so the first 5 minutes was gentle kicking to each other in the fading light before the ground was bathed in light from the massive light towers. Of course a few suggested my fair skin could provide some light for the kicking exercises while we waited for the lights to come on.
It was great to see a number of Carlton supporters on hand to see the short training session, once again showing how big the Carlton Football Club is. No matter where we go there are always supporters on hand to cheer us on. We certainly hope there is a good Carlton contingent at the final on Saturday night. The training session under lights is good for us to get a feel for the match conditions and it also provides the support staff with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with facilities and set up the requirements for Saturday night – signage, property, medical room, etc.
Back to the hotel we all had a quick dip in the pool before enjoying a meal in the room set up for the team while we are here. After dinner most of the boys headed out for a walk and the weather certainly is inviting to be walking around. Back at the hotel a lot watched the delayed telecast of the Adelaide v Essendon final and of course we had the chance for a snack later in the evening.
The team meeting at the Gabba before training and the training session really set the tone for the next day or so. It really was the start of the build up for Saturday night’s match and there is a great feeling within the group after a really positive training session.
Tomorrow is game day so it will be down to business in what will be my first final for the Carlton Football Club, indeed only Fev and Hoops have played a final for Carlton so it will be a special occasion and one we want to have great memories of.
Nick Stevens
# 24
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