Homeward Bound

From the hot and dusty Red Centre, down the 600 odd kilometres of the Oodnadatta track we have arrived in the the Barossa, for some R & R at Nuriootpa for three or four days before wending our way back home.

 

It’s cold, it’s wet, the wind is howling, quite a difference from a few days ago! It is incredible the change in the weather as we made our way south, it makes you want to turn the car and van around and head back to the warm weather again but could we suffer the dust again! I think it will take for ever to get all the dust out of the van, let alone get our clothes completely clean again! But the dust was worth it to see the sights that we did.

 

But the weather is not worrying us, as we now have reliable Internet access and can make contact with the “real world”, something so many of us take for granted these days. It’s only when you don’t have that access do you appreciate what you have!

 

I’m thinking about staying away from home as suggested by Almanacker PB from the West. During my time away the Bombers have had a reasonable month, winning three of their four games, two of them against top sides. Who knows what may happen once I return!

 

This weekend we have the bye. Like many Essendon supporters, I thought we would be in a much better position at this stage of the season than we actually are but the team is beginning to iron out a few wrinkles of late, and with the players beginning to show more self-belief in themselves leaves us in good stead for the second half of the season. Or so I hope!

 

Injuries have allowed Worsfold to rejig the team,try out new players, and give others another chance to prove themselves at the top level.

 

Fortunately, these changes have had a positive result. Baguely to the forward line has added defensive pressure there, Ridley proved he deserved the chance as did Redman last weekend, and with Colyer nearing fitness in the VFL and expected to return to the senior side very shortly the pressure is hotting up for positions in the team, and players know they have to perform to gain or hold their places there.

 

As the rain beats down on the roof of the van I check the footy fixture for the next few weeks after the bye. The Eagles in the West, then North at home, and the Pies at the MCG. If the Bombers are expected to make any impact on the eight they will need to win those matches, a tough ask. But who knows; a week, three weeks is a long time in footy, anything can happen.

 

So PB, back home, I will be cheering harder and louder than ever, and starting with the Eagles, the run home begins.

 

The ball is now well and truly in the Bombers court!

About Colin Ritchie

Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.

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