Norwood's Jace Bode hopes to net a double with fiancee Nat von Bertouch
IT'S payback time for Nat von Bertouch as fiance Jace Bode prepares for the SANFL Grand Final between Norwood and North Adelaide.
IT'S payback time for Nat von Bertouch this weekend as fiance Jace Bode prepares for the SANFL Grand Final between Norwood and North Adelaide.
Von Bertouch cheekily suggests Bode was far from the perfect partner during her successful run to the ANZ Championship crown with the Thunderbirds in July.
The Redlegs defender was injured in a game on the day before von Bertouch's semi final against the Melbourne Vixens, requiring her to accompany him to hospital.
A fortnight later he spent the night before the Thunderbirds Grand Final enjoying himself at a club function during Norwood's bye week.
"We got home at midnight the night before the semi because I was in hospital with him and then the week of the Grand Final he was out," von Bertouch said.
"Definitely not what I would think is the right thing to do. I'm out for a bit of payback this week, I've got a couple of things planned, a couple of nights out."
Jokes aside, Bode is expecting a relaxed build up to the decider this Sunday.
"I was really nervous last year before the game and even in the build up," Bode said.
"But I feel like I'm more settled this year. We had a strong group last year but this year we've got as a strong a group as I've ever played with in the SANFL.
"I know that if we stick to our structures the result will take care of itself."
Since calling an end to her stellar netball career, Nat has been involved in the OPAL (Obesity Prevention And Lifestyle) program which encourages children to be healthy.
She will serve as the Thunderbirds' dietitian next season and also has a wedding to plan for November next year.
But her immediate focus is supporting Bode as he attempts to match her personal tally of two premierships.
"It would be great," von Bertouch said.
"It's been a big year for us, getting engaged and we're going overseas soon. If we could both win one in the same year it would be great."
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