KARMICHAEL Hunt lived out the fantasy of every Aussie rules player on Saturday night, but he doesn't agree that it instantly turned him into a bonafide AFL player.
The midfielder, like he had done in his previous life as a rugby league player, stepped up when the game was there to be won.
The siren sounded instantly after the ball hit his chest, but with ice pumping through his veins, the convert nailed his kick from 30m out to win the game.
It was the side’s first win since their last trip to Cairns 12 months ago, and the team reacted
appropriately.
"Yeah, I just celebrated with the boys and copped about 20 headbuts as they all came in; lucky to get out of there alive," Hunt said.
He said it ranked highly on his list of sporting achievements, but that was as far as the symbolism went
"It’s up there. Just because we’ve had a pretty rough trot this season," he said.
In Hunt’s eyes the goal was not an indication that he had validated his switch from rugby league.
"Not really. I’m loving what I’m doing – I’ve said it last year, I’ve said it this year. I’m really happy with my switch and it’s a fantastic journey we’re on."
His coach Guy McKenna said the reaction summed up what sort of person he was.
"The fact he isn’t getting carried away with it says a lot about him and he understands it’s great for the side to win, but he wants to be our premier midfielder," he said.
"It was a super effort, though.
‘‘Some of our coaching staff have played their whole life and not done that."
Even Harley Bennell, adding to the moment by telling Hunt the siren had sounded, did not distract him.
"I said, ‘I know mate. Put a bit more pressure on me, why don’t you’,’’ Hunt said.
"I’ve dreamed about situations like that, and you’ve just got to keep it simple. If there was a try (in rugby league) and I needed to kick the goal, I would’ve had the same mindset, just to go through normal routine and just execute."
Last Modified on 25/09/2012 10:28