A dream that I’m sure most of them have harbored since their early childhood years, the dream to finally display the years of arduous training and discipline matched with unique athletic ability.
But it’s not the ability or the world stage that the athletes have during the 2008 Beijing Olympics that I will watch with envy as I sit glued to the TV. It will be the pride in the eyes of the competitors where my envy comes from, the pride to be representing their country in a given discipline, at the highest level.
It's the kind of pride that as an AFL footballer I rarely get to show. Sure, I am able to represent my family, friends and 45,000 members as I run out onto the ground each week. That alone I can safely say gives me a deal of pride and is certainly a great privilege that I like to remind myself of every now and then.
But it’s not an entire country.
The opportunity to represent my country in the 2002 and 2003 International Rules series was one of the most privileged, humbling and satisfying experiences I have had in my nine years of football.
And with the series now back on both the AFL’s and GAA’s agenda, it could be for other players as well.
My first game at Croke Park in Dublin will be remembered for more than one reason. As we were eating our pre-game meal on the eve of the First Test, news began to filter through that a bomb had rattled night spots in Bali. That news was of great concern to many players, including me, knowing that teammates were on the party island enjoying their end of season break.
As the evening went on and more news became apparent of the devastating loss of 88 Australian lives, we decided to have a team meeting and discuss what it meant.
At the end of the meeting there was a clear understanding between the players that we would most likely be the first team to represent our country since the bombings and as such felt as though we had the responsibility to do so with composure and honor.
There is little doubt that those preceding events helped inspire the boys to a second-half come-from-behind victory.
Singing the Australian national anthem on foreign soil was a moment to savor and one that will be impossible to forget.
The following year the First Test was played at Subiaco Oval, and beside the great experience of wearing the green and gold in front of family and friends, it was unique to see both Fremantle and West Coast fans bond together for the first time ever at Subi!
The series is a great concept and one that I would happily participate in if my body is willing.
Here’s hoping the public get behind it too.
2008 Toyota International Rules Series Ticketing Information:
Australia v Ireland
Subiaco, Perth – October 24
Pre-Sale Opportunity for Fremantle Members.
Get the best seat in the house!
All Fremantle Members can buy tickets for this match before the general public.
Member’s tickets go on sale August 21 – August 24.
Members will simply need to quote their membership number or show their membership card when booking.
Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster on 1300 135 915, via www.ticketmaster.com.au or through a Ticketmaster outlet.
There is a limit of six tickets per person/transaction. All remaining tickets will then go on sale to the general public on Monday 25 August.
