That'll do pig, that'll do

I remember a game of footy years ago (it is true a person reminisces when older) where the Broncos were playing Melbourne in the finals.  It was back before Melbourne were beating the Broncos seemingly all the time.  The commentary I have heard since about that game which the Broncos won unexpectedly was “the day the Broncos ambushed Melbourne.”
I remember thinking at half time, “the Broncos had played the perfect half of football.”
It is weird what a person remembers.  Since that time I have heard a coach say they have taken the word perfect out of their training.  It had been replaced with doing the best you can.  To me that makes sense and is easier to live with.
There is no doubt in my mind I want to do well.  To me the Broncos did the best they could.  They had been trained will and followed the set plan.
That to me is as good as it gets.  Training well is maximising my potential.  Maximizing my potential is to me having more in my tank than the opposition.  A future opposition may require I have a higher standard, but I have enough for the task at hand.
Australian teams have a pretty good reputation for having gas in the tank.  Sometimes we wear down opposition because in that context we are full of running when the opposition has reached their limit. 
I do like that.  Although these days my limit physically would be reached soon after I started.  We played indoor soccer against younger fitter people.  I was huffing and puffing in no time, but they remained full of running.  We lost by a lot.  Our goal became to get one goal.  Which we did.  Amazing how losers can act like winners.  That was us.  But we did not progress – they did.
Training well is only half the story. I need to follow the set plan.  I do not know everything.  I think one of the worst mistakes is to think my way is the best or only way.  It pays to listen to instructions.  Most coaches are watching their players to see who listens and who may be a loose cannon.  It is said that “a champion team will always beat a team of champions.”  I do like that.
It is too easy to see a player that is in it for themselves.  Often it points to a reason for a lack of team success.  At other times a team defies the odd and wins.  On paper they do not stand a chance.  But paper does not take into account working for each other.  Together the underdogs win.
To me that is the team thing.  I am amazed how often I hear of one player going beyond and being an inspiration for the rest of the team who may be wilting.
I am so into that final effort.  As they say “it is not over until the fat lady sings.” (though fat lady may not be acceptable these days.  “Until the physically challenged lady sings.”)  The point for me is, I want to try until the end.  There is plenty of time for rest after the game.  But while there is time on the clock it may be my bit extra that inspires others to give a bit extra.  That sort of thing turns defeat into victory.
Teams to me are where it is at.  I help and am helped.  Together we can do this and inspire others to be the best they can be.