I felt mentally and physically exhausted, so I really felt ready for the split round.
So having the past few days off was a great opportunity to get away and refresh the mind, body and soul.
I took the opportunity to get away with my girlfriend Kaila to Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley in Melbourne's outer east.
I've got family in Wodonga, but it was my first opportunity to see some of the Victorian country side – and I loved it.
Driving out to the Yarra Valley, it felt much more than an hour away from Melbourne, so it was great to see the beautiful scenery and great countryside. I love the country – fresh air and green grass. And staying at a winery was a bit different for me.
When I was looking for accommodation, I really wanted something that was scenic and picturesque and what I saw on the internet was everything I hoped for and more.
We checked in about midday on Saturday and took the first couple of hours to check out the place. We had a nice dinner that night and I was starting to feel relaxed and happy already.
It ended up being just the weekend I was hoping for – getting away from it all, forgetting about football and not watching any TV. I just wanted to enjoy myself with my girlfriend and feel refreshed for the second half of the season.
Although we had a program to complete over the weekend – something the fitness staff put in place – that was the only bit of football I had to do on Saturday and Sunday.
Other than that, I didn't speak a word of it, didn't read a paper or watch it on TV.
On Sunday, I got up nice and early and had a lovely continental breakfast at the bistro and then headed back to Melbourne.
I'd had such a good weekend away, but also did a bit of self reflection.
I spoke to my girlfriend about setting goals for the rest of the season. I'd also put some things in place with development coach Kelly O'Donnell, on the Thursday before the break.
We spoke about areas of improvement and things I was doing well. It was great to have a chat and catch up.
I had to write some things down to give to him this week. They were things like how I'll approach the next 11 games of the season, develop my game and do my bit for the team.
That all starts this Friday against Essendon.
Overall, the break was great, but I was ready to go on Monday.
We had a weights session that day, with our main training session on Tuesday.
Everyone came back with an extra bit of enthusiasm. They all wore smiles out at Casey Fields, so it was great to see everyone coming back refreshed. I know I was better for it.
Playing on Friday night isn't something a few of us younger players have experienced, so we've got to cherish this upcoming opportunity.
We didn't live up to the expectations on the big stage against Collingwood on Queen's Birthday, so we've got to bounce back this round and show how strong we are as characters.
