Player Column – Jarrod Parry Round 20

PERSONALLY it’s been another year with some ups and downs throughout. After my return from injury in 2017, I was optimistic that this year might be more successful for not only myself but the team, to go that one step further. 

After getting in a full pre-season, I set a little goal to play league in Round 1, something I had never achieved throughout my career. I was lucky enough to be selected, and all things were positive, until an ankle injury in Round 2. 

This kept me once again on the sidelines for an extended amount of time. At first, those thoughts run through your mind, can I keep doing this, maybe my body is telling me this is enough. After a fair bit of reflection, to me, 10 weeks seemed doable compared to other injuries I’ve had in the past. 

Resilience is something I believe is important in everyone, both on the sporting field and other aspects of life. That ability to bounce back from hardship is what allows you to discover more about yourself and become a stronger person. Obviously with my fragile body, injuries have played a major part throughout my career, but I take pride in my resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity. 

Whilst internal motivation plays a role in my ability to return from injuries, a major factor is the external motivators. This is highlighted by those at the club, from medical staff, to coaches and volunteers. Although, the most important is the players, the boys, those I call my mates. They are the reason I have continued to play, the enjoyment of training, locker room chat and off-season activities. I feel like I owe them for their support. I want to be a part of the team to have a positive influence whether it is on the field or in other aspects as a person. 

Throughout the year, we have again seen our fair share of success. The league team is looking primed again to give finals a fair shake, we feel like there is unfinished business and this could be the year. We are building in the final few rounds, gaining back some important players to the team and should hit the first round of finals with a near on full list. 

The reserves team have two final games which are must wins in order to make finals. It has been an up and down year but with a very young team, the effort and application each week has been terrific. 

It will be an exciting final two rounds of the home and away season for both teams. I hope the supporters continue to get behind the boys in what is going to be a great finish to the year. 

It could be, the year of the dog.