Part 1
It is fair to say we were all thankful the flight to Brisbane was running a little late due to the plane being late into Melbourne. The reason was the storm that hit the airport about the same time we were scheduled to be taking off. It was blue sky when we arrived at the airport and by the time we were at our gate for departure it was black and it was pouring. Maybe this is a sign things are going our way this trip.
A squad of 24 players were on the flight, plus Jarrad Waite. Jarrad will not be a late inclusion he has joined us in Brisbane to continue his rehabilitation under the guidance of our medical team and he will also be a special guest at the supporters pre-match function as well as doing some media. So he isn’t on a holiday!
Arriving in Brisbane we were very quick to get our bags and get on the bus to head to our hotel where we had time to get changed and then walk up the street to the Belgian Beer Café for our dinner. The food was fantastic – a choice of steak, risotto or barramundi and everyone really enjoyed the meal. While it is a ‘beer café’ there was no alcohol for our party, it was all water or soft drink. It is a great place and certainly one we would all recommend.
Coming up two days prior to the game it was great to have dinner out of the hotel. There is a great atmosphere at the Belgian Beer Café and it was relaxing for everyone. The rest of our meals will be at the hotel so the walk and friendly atmosphere with other people around was great. Following dinner it was back to the hotel (only two blocks) for a quiet evening. The usual activities and the chance to have a massage or some physio for those who needed it.
After breakfast this morning we went to Southbank and went in the water for ten minutes. Most of us waded up to our waist but a few of the boys couldn’t help themselves and had a swim while we were in the water. It is amazing, here we were at Southbank in Brisbane and a group of Girl Guides from regional Victoria (Kaniva and Rupanyup) were also there so it was photos and autographs. The walk back to the hotel was about 15 minutes and was great, through the gardens and along the river.
This morning was a reminder of the benefits of coming up yesterday afternoon rather than this morning. It is less hectic having the extra night to prepare. Coming up this morning would have meant an early start, particularly for those who live a long way from the airport, and a short time at the hotel before heading to training, making it a bit of a rush. Coming up late yesterday has enabled everyone to have a good sleep last night, get up when ready and generally prepare without the rush.
Today we have a few hours to ourselves before we head to the Gabba for training later this afternoon. I’ll send through another update before the game and of course another on Sunday.
Nick Stevens
#24
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