Player Column – Josh Pullman Round 23

WITH one game remaining in the home and away season, the business end of the year has arrived. 

This week, we’re up against Peel down at Bendigo Bank Stadium. 

I’m of the opinion that people who believe games like this are just a formality before finals time haven’t grasped the importance of momentum and confidence in sport. 

We’ve built a bit of rivalry with Peel over the past 18 months, which will be a factor in the lead up too.

It’s been great to see some of the older guard in Saundo, Higgo, and Smack reach, and approach, their 100 game milestones in recent weeks as well.

They’re three very different players, but each of them are part of a nucleus who’ve ridden the wave this past four years. The time together, the highs and lows, and the shared experience all contribute to building the standards and trust amongst the playing group that have helped us earn a seat at the table this year.

In comparing this year’s position to last, the playing group is a little wiser. We’re more cognisant of the volume of work it takes to get here, clearer on the size of the task at hand, and recognise the importance from here on out of making every possible post a winner. 

It’s hard to measure the value of the finals experience a lot of our younger players were exposed to last year, but we’ll soon see.

In the meantime, bring on the Thunder this weekend!