Friday, June 1
Assembling at the Virgin Lounge in preparation for the long trip to Perth, our large travelling entourage nearly fills the entire room. There is always a buzz in the air when we travel. This week a lot of the hype surrounded the Advertiser’s hulk inspired picture of Taylor Walker and the recent results of the NBA playoffs. I am barracking for Crows supporter Patty Mills and the San Antonio Spurs.
Perth, being the longest of our travels, there is more thought put into entertainment and other activities to pass the time. The boys updated their Ipods, organised movies and bought magazines to help pass the time. Brodie Smith was in heaven as he found a huge spread on Erin McNaught (a TV presenter) in one of the popular magazines, which further fuelled his already creepy obsession for her. Follow him on twitter @BrodieSmith to watch his desperate attempts to get her attention.
Not being able to go without food for too long, I packed a chicken wrap, power bar and a big bottle of water to get me through the afternoon. I try to avoid plane food, especially in the lead up to a game!
.JPG)
(boys on the plane to Perth, Walker borrows camera!)
Landing in sunny Perth we were met by a large contingent of Crows supporters after autographs and pictures with their favourite players. I am always surprised at the fantastic support we get wherever we go. It is a great feeling to hear the cheers of supporters when we are playing away in a hostile opposition’s’ stadium.
One of my regular travel routines is to jump on twitter and interact with fans to pass the travel time (airport to the hotel) in a segment called #Travel Talk. I enjoy answering fans questions and hearing their thoughts on certain issues. To stay up to date and to catch the next #TravelTalk follow me on twitter @KurtTippett4 or at www.kurttippett.com.au
Before dinner we took to the park for a walk, stretch and a game of hacky sack to loosen up and get the body moving after being idle for four hours. As always, the little game turned serious and very competitive with us playing South Australia born players versus the rest. Unfortunately the ‘out of towners’ couldn’t match the SA team. I think Sam Shaw must have secretly been born in SA as he was on a sabotage mission.
.JPG)
Game day! I bounced out of bed and continued my game routine of choosing a song that would be my ‘song for the day’. Labrinth - Earthquake was the track I chose this week. I then met our Performance guru Steven Schwerdt for a jog, stretch and kick. I really enjoy getting the blood flowing and starting to focus my thoughts on the game first thing in the morning. It was a stunning morning in Perth and there were a number of coaches, board members and support staff out exercising.
Players casually have breakfast in their own time the morning of a game. Big ‘Truck’ Rutten is usually knocking down the door to get to breakfast whilst Porps loves to sleep in and usually only just catches breakfast before it closes. When we play early games breakfast is our main and most important meal for the day. I enjoyed some fruit, muesli, eggs and baked beans with plenty of water.
The rest of the morning is spent preparing for the game. Some players have ice baths and massages while others find a café close by to read the paper and enjoy a coffee. I like to stay relaxed by watching TV and enjoying the company of teammates.
Prior to our pre-game snack we met for a group stretch, walk and a game of ‘slips’ catches to get our eye in. Once again it becomes ‘life and death’ as everyone wants to finish at the top of the group. Daniel ‘Presti’ Talia remarkably won with a total of two well-timed catches.
.JPG)
Conditions were perfect for football at Patersons Stadium on Saturday afternoon. There was a great anticipation as we went through our usual preparation in the lead up to game time. A real emphasis is placed on everyone playing their role for the team, which has been a real strength of the group in the first nine rounds.
It was a very tough game and a gutsy performance. After being headed early in the fourth term, we were able to gain back momentum and kick away to finish strongly. It was a great feeling to win a tight game and to finish the first half of the season with a win-loss record 8-2.
We completed ice baths at the ground before returning to the hotel for dinner. Feeling totally spent after our 10th week of the season it was great to know that we had the bye the following week.
Back at the hotel, it was great to share a beer and reflect on our first 10 weeks with the boys, coaches and support staff.
Sunday, June 3
I was up before the sun to catch my flight to Queensland for a few days with my family. Body aching, everything takes longer the morning after a game. Thankfully I made my flight. I look forward to spending a few days resting, recovering and catching up with friends and family. I will return to Adelaide refreshed, enthused and ready attack the second half of the season.
Cheers, Kurt
