Port Adelaide skipper Travis Boak wants to make up for lost time in September
Why Travis Boak is relieved not to be watching footy in a bar this week?
TRAVIS Boak speaks from bitter experience contrasting the joy of trackwork on the first Monday in September with drowning sorrows in local watering holes.
Boak has fronted in just two finals series - 2013 and 2014 - after a grand final appearance in his 2007 rookie season. “In my first year we played in a grand final and it probably went straight over my head and I didn’t realise how hard they are to get into and be part of,” said Boak ahead of Saturday’s elimination final against West Coast at Adelaide Oval.
“Having a fair few lean years and understanding the hard work it takes to there, you realise they are hard to come by. Now I am pushing 30 and played 200 games they do become a lot more special. You want to get closer to the success you haven’t had.”
Boak co-owns the Mosely Bar and Kitchen with teammate Robbie Gray but the beer will only taste good on the last Saturday in September for Port’s skipper.
“We are training rather than in a bar somewhere. It is finals footy and something you can’t really explain unless you are part of it,” said Boak.
“It is nice to come in on a Monday and be preparing for a game.
“This is the most exciting part of being at a footy club, the best time to play footy.”
Boak said the Power was “mentally fresh” after being granted four days leave over the bye round.
“The boys were pretty edgy to get back. The guys know what they have to bring, the sessions have been outstanding,” said Boak.