Grand final week is a surreal experience, one full of excitement, pride and trepidation.
The realisation of making another grand final is a special moment.
It’s an opportunity which haunts players who never get the chance and brings a satisfaction that the year of hard work and sacrifices had been worthwhile.
This satisfaction is obviously short lived and can leave a deep scar if not taken with both hands.
To be greeted on Monday morning by an army of red, black and white was an absolute treat!
It’s one thing I love about the week and to see the huge amount of support we have behind us is really inspiring.
We quickly moved on from the preliminary final win over the Western Bulldogs.
Our unrelenting hardness at the ball against the Dogs proved to be the major difference but our lapse in the second quarter was noted and served as a warning leading into Saturday afternoon.
Early into last week when I was driving home, I couldn’t help but notice the numerous houses dressed with the saints colours and I was awash with a great sense of pride and stature.
This was quickly tempered by a wave of responsibility felt upon my shoulders.
Apart from the parade on Friday afternoon the week would be set-up in an attempt to simulate our normal preparation.
I say attempt because the week is far from normal.
The hype and attention surrounding the lead up is intoxicating.
Throw in Brownlow night, organising tickets and hearing from people you haven’t spoken to since last grand final and it can become one enormous distraction.
This was where we thought we could gain an advantage over our inexperienced opponents.
Another unique and sad event was the funeral service of a Saints great, Jack Barker.
I met Jack 11 years ago when I was first drafted to the club and since then I can’t remember him ever missing a training session.
Both Robert Harvey and Danny Frawley spoke at the service and reflected how much he was loved and respected at St Kilda.
I believe while sad, it would inspire the boys to make certain they gave absolutely everything come Saturday.
Collingwood’s pressure and ability to force turnovers is well documented and our final review focused around dismantling that strength as well as preparing for multiple game scenarios.
Our preparation was finally complete.
All that was left was to recover, enjoy the grand final parade and steady the mind for what would be the fight of our lives.
Coach Ross Lyon’s message before the game was simple. It was about maximum effort and no regrets.
Conditions were perfect, we had done the work, built the trust and now under the most extreme pressure we had to bring it to life, for what we thought was one last time.
It really was two unrelenting forces meeting in the middle and the same explosive output and the ultimate prize is on the line again on Saturday.