THERE is only one opportunity to make a first impression. It’s just that in footy we get to do it every year.

 

Every year each team is a different proposition from the last. New players, new motivations, new knowledge, new adjustments to the game plan, new coaches, new fitness staff, new injuries … the list goes on.

 

And what differences have those new additions made, or from the other angle, what differences will the departures from last season make? What are the game plans that teams are working on that we don’t know about yet? Who is that player who is just about to stand up and deliver?

 

We’ve been talking about it for five months, and we’re dying to find out.

 

The players are too, you can be assured of that.

 

Players have a point to prove in round one and they have had a lot of time to think about it.

 

I know that I did in 2002.

 

After playing off in the grand final in 2000, our team had a shocking year in 2001. I knew that it was time for me to make a statement as a captain. And I got my opportunity in round one, 2002.

 

To paraphrase Dean Bailey in a recent speech - while the events that unfolded were something I couldn’t plan or predict, what I could do was prepare for the moment.

 

That day I had prepared myself to give the strongest contest at the football that I could.

 

In the end, the team won and I was able to kick five goals.

 

I ended up with a highlights reel, which included a solid contest with Hawthorn’s Luke McCabe that has been used more times than Luke would care to remember.

 

Reflecting on the actual bump itself, it was one of those situations where I didn’t even realise McCabe was there.

 

I was on the lead trying to attract the footy, but it landed short. I then followed up, realising there was a bit of congestion in the contest.

 

Although my major focus was trying to get hold of the footy, it soon became significant contact with Luke.

 

Luckily enough, the force and the contact bounced me around to be facing the goals.

 

I saw a little gap and then I was able to collect the ball.

 

From there, I was able turn around and slot the goal, which was a fantastic moment.

 

The satisfaction of walking off the ground, having achieved what I set out to achieve, set the scene for my best ever year.

 

Rationally, I know that winning or playing well in round one doesn’t guarantee you a successful year and losing doesn’t equate to failure. It’s a long season, but I know that as a player you are desperate to get it right in round one.

 

Here’s to the boys that get to run out on Sunday and make a first impression that we’re all proud of.

 

And here’s to the Demon supporters who are right behind them all the way.