Author: Alex Glenn
There’s nothing quite like Gameday. You feel it from the moment you wake up – the nerves, the excitement, the anticipation. It’s that buzz that builds and stays with you until the final whistle blows, and even after. It’s what makes the sport so special. Every player has their way of getting ready, but for me, it’s always been about preparation, focus, and controlling what I can control.
Starting the Night Before: Sleep and Recovery
When I first started out, I was just trying to get ready however I could. I didn’t have a clear routine, but I figured, “Do what I think is right and hope for the best.” Over time, though, I learned that it’s not about luck or superstition. It’s about doing the work. Every single day. When you put in the work, game day becomes easier. That’s where the confidence comes from.
For me, it all starts the night before the game. Sleep is massive – if you don’t sleep well, nothing else matters. It doesn’t matter how much work you’ve put in during the week. Your body needs rest. I make sure to eat well, hydrate properly, and move my body lightly to keep everything loose. I’ll stretch, roll out, and do some light mobility work to prepare for the next day. It’s simple stuff, but it really does make a difference when you’re out there in the second half, and your legs are burning.
The Morning of the Game: Stick to the Routine
The morning of the game is all about routine. I like to keep it simple. Get up, have a good breakfast, and enjoy a bit of quiet time. I might listen to some music or just sit and reflect on the work I’ve done leading up to the game. There’s no need to overcomplicate things. I’ve learned that you don’t control the result, but you can control yourself. And that’s the essence of my gameday ritual.
Even the small things matter. The way I get dressed, the way I warm up – it all helps to focus my mind and calm the nerves. I always visualise what I need to do on the field, think about my role in the team, and remind myself of the preparation I’ve put in. The nerves are still there, but rather than letting them take over, I use them to fuel my focus. It turns that nervous energy into excitement for the game ahead.
Getting to the Ground: Feeling the Energy
I always like to get to the ground a little early. There’s something about walking into that stadium, taking in the atmosphere, and just feeling the energy. The crowd, the field, the sound of the game starting to build. It’s electric. But I’ve learned over the years to take it all in without letting it overwhelm me. It’s important to stay grounded in those moments.
When you’re with your teammates, you can feel that camaraderie. It’s not just about individual performance; it’s about that shared purpose. We do our final warm-ups, share a chant or two with the boys, and hear the last words of encouragement from the coach. That’s when it feels real. The rituals become second nature, and you get into that rhythm. I find that consistency calms the nerves and keeps me focused.
Finals Games: Same Rituals, Higher Stakes
Now, finals games – they’re a different beast. Bigger crowds, higher stakes, and a louder atmosphere. The nerves ramp up, the pressure’s on, and there’s always a little more on the line. But the beauty of the rituals is that they stay the same. They calm you down and allow you to own the occasion, instead of being overwhelmed by it. That’s why I treat every game like the next. The preparation comes first, the mindset second, and the game takes care of itself.
The Core of My Gameday Rituals
Over the years, I’ve added a few rituals, dropped a couple, and changed things around a bit. But the core of my routine has stayed consistent. Sleep. Nutrition. Mobility. Preparation. Mindset. That’s it. Everything else is extras. Find what works for you, stick to it, and trust in it. That’s how you keep your focus when the whistle blows. Preparation is key.
Handling the Nerves and Pressure
I’ve seen a lot of players get overwhelmed. Whether it’s nerves, pressure, or the occasion taking over, the game can get the best of you. But gameday rituals can stop that. They’re something to hold onto. They remind you that you’ve put in the work. That you’re ready for what’s coming. Trust in your preparation, and that’s when the performance will follow.
We can’t control everything in the game – we can’t control the bounce of the ball, the referee, or how the other team plays. But we can control ourselves. Whether it’s a regular season game, a big rivalry match, or the finals, the process stays the same. Do the work. Stick to the routine. Trust your preparation. Focus on what you can control. Once you’ve done that, everything else falls into place, and you can go out and play your best footy.
Footy Is About Heart
At the end of the day, footy is about heart. It’s about giving it everything you’ve got. It’s about effort and doing what you can with what you’ve got. The rituals don’t guarantee a win, but they give you the best chance to perform. And sometimes, that’s all you can ask for.
How Gameday Rituals Shape My Life Beyond Footy
Even though I’m no longer playing professionally, I’ve carried these rituals into my life. Whether it’s a Wednesday training session, a regular workout, or a high-pressure event, I stick to my routines. Sleep well. Eat right. Move well. Prepare. Focus. Then, when it’s time to perform, I can step into the moment, knowing I’ve done everything I could to be ready.