Mates and memories
And a message for paid subscribers
When you retire, all you really have is the memories and friendships you made during your career. And last weekend I got a chance to reminisce about the most special time of my career, and catch up with many of the guys who made it happen.
In 2011, the Brumbies came one win away from the wooden spoon despite having a rockstar team on paper. A huge fall from grace for Australia’s most successful Rugby team.
But with a young and hungry team (scattered with some experience), we turned things around, falling minutes short of winning the grand final, and became the first Australian team to beat the British and Irish Lions in 40 years.
It was such a rollercoaster few years, but it taught me that no matter how bad things are, they can turn around… and quick!
Apart from having a young squad with great coaches, I think another reason why we did so well was the team was also the closest group I was ever apart of.
We hung out together on our days off, and many of our partners became close friends.
But despite that, everyday we challenged each other to be better, and I long to be apart of a team like that again.
I think it’s one of life’s great joys to be a part of something greater than yourself, like a team or community. And according to internet, that’s because it provides a sense of belonging and purpose that fuels personal growth and resilience.
I moved around a lot as a kid, and joining a sports team was how I made friends. And as I get older, I’ve noticed I’ve been at my happiest when I’m around teammates.
Teammates I respect, because I know they too are giving their best trying to achieve something special.
Something that we can all reflect on when we’re older and smile.
