You are playing at home, against a team in the same spot on the ladder, with your season on the line. I would have thought that in itself would be enough motivation to leave everything on the paddock.
If that doesn’t get the competitive juices flowing, let’s throw in the fact that last time you played this team, they came back from 28–6 down at halftime to beat you. And then for good measure, let’s rule out their best player, then have their second-best player leave the field with an injury after 27 minutes. Does this sound like an opportunity you want to grab with both hands?
How about if one of the club’s most-loved players of all time was departing the next day, and the entire evening was meant to be a celebration of his achievements, an occasion designed to show him how much he means to you, to the club, to your team, to the fans and to his community. Surely there’s no way anyone could come in and out-enthuse you on a night like this. Of all nights, this is the one when you will give everything for the jersey and for your friend — the one they call The Beast.
