By Lee Reilly
Being in and out of games and not putting in full 80 minute performances has been a struggle in 2017 for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls according to outside back, Jeriah Goodrich.
“That’s been our biggest problem this year is closing out games. We need to be more consistent for the whole 80 minutes.”
“It has nothing to do with skill, it’s all mental, “added Goodrich.
The most disappointing part of their loss to Burleigh Bears was how well they played against the Easts Tigers the week before, according to the 23 year- old.
“That was off the Northern Pride game in Bamaga. We tossed up a pretty poor performance there.”
“Everyone was in a good mindset for the derby against the Easts Tigers and we went in for the kill that’s for sure. I don’t know if that took a bit out of us and contributed to the result against the Bears.”
“We’ve been unfortunate this year with injuries, although the guys that have come up have done a great job. I think going forward as a club that can’t be an excuse. We need to go back to the days where that “no excuse mentality”, that is Wynnum and anybody who puts on that jersey will turn up and do a job.”
“I know it’s tough and we can kick buckets as much as we want but at the end of the day anyone who gets to put on the jersey is fully capable and needs to get the job done without any excuses.”
Leading into the last bye, the entire Seagulls squad had an old fashion bbq after training; an initiative that Goodrich believes brings the side together.
“We had a big hit out and a BBQ afterwards. The main message from Brido was take your mind away from footy, getaway from it.We do it for that many weeks of the year so it’s nice to get away and come back refreshed.”
“I definitely feel having the social events, having a beer after the games does help, especially with the amount of new blokes and overall morale of the side. Just helps everyone get along better and I think that transcends onto the field.”
A concreter by trade, Goodrich like many of his team-mates knows that getting his body right is paramount to being able to contribute for the Seagulls.
“It’s not the easiest job, its very labour intensive. Your flogging it out for 8 to 11 hours a day in the sun then have to get to training”
“I’ve sort of set myself a bedtime of 9:30. Make sure I’ve packed my lunch the night before and then water is definitely key. I make sure I pack a water cooler when I go to work.”