ANGUS Brayshaw says he can’t wait to play in his first Queen’s Birthday blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG on Monday.
Brayshaw said he understood the occasion, but was treating it as another contest.
“It’s super exciting and playing in front of big crowds is always good but Dad’s said before its four points regardless how many people are there,” he said, referencing his father Mark, who played for North Melbourne and is now AFLCA boss.
“Obviously we want as many people [at the game as] it’s a big day for Neale Daniher and MND (motor neurone disease) and what he is going through at the moment – so we would love everyone to come down to support him.”
Brayshaw offered an insight into Daniher’s fight, after the former Melbourne coach recently spoke to the players about his fight against MND.
“I’ve met Neale a few times through my Dad, they’re pretty good mates, so I’ve had a bit of an idea of what he’s been going through the last couple of years,” he said.
“Just hearing it first hand and putting it in a footy context – it just makes footy seem so insignificant in the context of life and what he’s going through.
“It’s a terrible thing that he’s going through, but the bravery he’s showing, he takes it all in his stride and is realistic about what’s happening.
“I think we will be looking after him and hopefully be having a crack extra hard for him this weekend.”
Brayshaw said he was continually learning his craft and added that adjusting to the highest level was an ongoing experience.
“It (AFL) is at a different level to anything I’ve played before,” he said.
“There are still bigger bodies and quicker decision-making that I need to adjust to a little bit.
“I think I’ve done all right and not been too out of my depth, but [I’ve] still [got to] adapt to the game and learn from guys like Jonesy (Nathan Jones) and other senior guys at the club – so there’s plenty I can improve on.”
