I’m now officially on holidays and can take the time to reminisce, relax, and write this final piece without being in a state of exhaustion.
The final day was everything Kenny promised it would be, providing a fitting conclusion to a fantastic trip.
We checked out of the hotel and made our way to Nad Al Sheba complex for the last time (for 2014 at least).
We strapped up one last time, did one last 'yo-yo' test, had one last team meeting, and finally made our way up to the pitch for one last training session designed to push us to breaking point (this is a diary of lasts!)
The feeling around the group was one of relief that in just under three hours it would all be over and a stoic belief that if we hadn’t cracked by now, then it wasn’t going to happen.
Nevertheless, Kenny and Burgo threw everything at us (except the kitchen sink), structuring a session that replicated a full four-quarter AFL match.
An AFL match in December - that's tough.
As has been the case all along, each and every player left nothing in the tank, running, tackling, supporting and competing like a group hungry to go one step further in 2015.
Boaky, Kane, Ollie and Karl led the way as they’ve done the whole time.
Kane is a tireless worker and the ultimate professional, buttering up time and again and continuing to improve in the twilight of his career.
Ollie exudes great leadership qualities and is growing stronger as a leader by the day, while Karl’s development as a footballer will no doubt see him pushing for Round 1 selection next year.
As for Boaky, since taking on the captaincy in 2013 he’s been instrumental in developing the group, leading by example on the field and of it, both in actions and words.
We really couldn’t ask for a better person to follow and look up too.
A huge thank you must go to Zane, Sean and all of the wonderful staff at the NAS complex.
They were friendly, accommodating and made the whole trip run like a dream and a positive experience.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to lay eyes on, or meet His Majesty (the Sheikh) but a huge thank you must also go to him.
The facilities were world-class and serve as motivation to improve.
Hopefully he’s enjoyed having us around and has seen enough for us to be invited back again next year.
I can’t forget Megan, the crazy American fixer that adds a bit of mayo to her never-ending stories - thanks for basically treating us like her own children for the last eight days.
To our own coaching and fitness staff, I suppose you deserve a thank you too.
Thanks for the continual physical punishment.
Thanks for the rigorous training regime that had everyone wanting to throw in the towel at one time or another.
We know it’s not meant to be easy and that we’re not always gong to enjoy it, but we also know what it takes to be the best, and that it doesn’t come easily.
We didn’t just get through this week as a team; we destroyed this week as a team.
Finally, last night we celebrated with one last team dinner.
This was a great chance to unwind with a few cold beers and some treats before everyone goes their separate ways over the Christmas break.
We'll certainly enjoy the treat this break will be, because there won't be many when we return in the first week of January!
I hope you’ve enjoyed getting an insight into Dubai 2014, and that I filled Jasper's lofty journalistic shoes at least somewhat.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and I’ll see you at Alberton in January.
