Ricky Petterd reflects on being the first Melbourne substitute in his column on melbournefc.com.au 

BEING told I was going to be the ‘sub’ on the Friday before our round one game against the Swans was disappointing.
 
Purely for the fact I wouldn't get to run out to position with 21 of my good mates.
 
In the end, I knew the coaches had a plan, and I would back them to the hilt.
 
The challenge to go to into battle against Sydney meant a lot to me.
 
The reputation the Swans have for being a ruthless and hard team was something I wanted to challenge myself on - and at the most heated part of the match - the beginning.
 
But unfortunately that wasn't the case. 
 
When the disappointment escaped me, I suddenly got excited about the fact that I was about to be playing football again on the M.C.G - at some stage.

Come game day, I prepared like every other match.
 
I hydrated and carb-loaded exactly the same, and knew my opposition and game plans.
 
To be honest, the hardest thing was knowing when to mentally switch on.
 
After Bails’ speech before the game, I was ready there and then. 

After about 20 repetitions of running up-and-down the sidelines, and sitting down for five minutes longer, I found myself just being a spectator of the game.
 
I just lost myself in what was happening, not really concentrating on my direct position or opponent.
 
This was probably a good thing as it meant I wasn't mentally fatiguing or worrying about when I was going to come on.

It was a weird feeling when someone went down looking injured. I felt sorry for the person, but at the same time I had to get up and run, and get myself thinking I was a chance to come on.
 
Fortunately, no injuries occurred. But I did get my chance. 
 
Now what everyone must understand is that when I came on, I was extremely fresh compared to the other players on the ground.
 
Playing three quarters is very tiring and your legs really start to become weak and wobbly.
 
I knew I had to have an impact, which was my role for the team.
 
From just being on the G' again to hearing the roars from the crowd, I think I played on pure adrenaline!
 
It was great to be out there again and I must thank our fitness staff who kept me up-and-about during the breaks.
 
But my overall thoughts on the sub … nah!