ACL Injury Pt 3 - The Aftermath

I woke to text messages from more friends getting the news of my injury. Tears continued to flow, I felt exhausted. People I didn't want to say goodbye to, I had unfinished business and cried at their individual responses. Such generous, genuine people I was so fortunate to call my friends. I had let my emotions run free until the early morning knowing today I needed to start the healing process. I wasn't improving my situation moping around being sad and didn't want to feel like I had the day before. My knee was sore this morning, more so than other days, it may have been the side I slept on. Last night both Allie and Chrisdell snored. I wondered if I snored when I was asleep? I listened to their snores with appreciation and gratitude. Just to be there in the same apartment as them I was thankful for. Every little part of them I wasn't ready to let go of.

 About to go to war, the game day that changed our existence

I had begun to review my diet to optimize my healing. I made 3 basic changes anytime I was injured; 

 

1. Reduce grains. Digesting grains caused tiny perforations in the lining of the stomach. Essentially the more energy your body used repairing those, the less were available to heal the injury
2. Increase water intake. 

3. Increase Fish Oil. The omega-3 fats worked to produce beneficial anti-inflammatory hormones. 

 

Additionally to prepare for surgery I ate plenty of nutrient rich leafy greens like spinach. Also included fats, garlic, turmeric, green tea and pineapples since they were rich in nutrients helpful for combatting inflammation. 

 

Chrisdell sat with me before she left for work, hand on my knee she looked at my weary head, bloodshot eyes curled up in bed and said 'I let coach know how I feel. You've sacrificed your body for us, you changed your whole life to come over here and play for us and spent so much money to get here. You are more of a vocal leader than anybody else who could travel to support and we need you on the sideline on Vegas. It wouldn't be fair if we didn't take you.' 

Wrapped in a blanket stitched from Allies team jerseys collected over her career I played music from her iTunes, Sam Smith, Josh Kaufman. Normally these tracks wouldn't be high on my rotation list, their not in my library at all but I wanted to savour every part of my experience with Dr Bert. My wife, my roommate, we had developed such a bond. A woman that if you ask others they would say she is scary, volatile. But underneath it all she was a big softie, just like me. She had amazed me since meeting her, such a walking, talking contradiction. In her residency as a dentist she famously fixed my chipped tooth after my Costa Rican white water rafting accident with such gentle hands I fell asleep in the chair. Yet watch her locked and loaded on the field coming up making plays like a maniac, or hear her roar viscously at whichever team mate had fucked up their assignment you'd swear it was a different human. Hybrids they called us.

Just being together was all we needed

 

Allie, Deena and I were like three musketeers, we would do everything together. With Deena and I rocking statuesque, visibly intimidating physiques Bert would constantly get called out ' oh do you play football too?' She would respond by screaming something like ' do you want me to fucking choke you?' She was 100% serious too. When we met new groups of guys I would set them up and encourage them to ask her if she played. She took the bait every time, would tear shreds off her victim, even after she saw me giggling in the corner. My dear Dr Bert said it exactly how she saw it, raw and blunt.

 

 

A unique beast, with blonde locks beautifully cascading behind her. By her own admission she would win a loogie competition, hocking from deep in the throat looking a million dollars while she did it. She would pick up chips she dropped on the footpath while still holding a full uneaten pack in hand and quip 'I'm not wasteful you know, waste not want not.' The bridesmaid who would almost break her neck falling off a cliff trying to rail slide. 

Allie literally thought she was invincible

Her and I could sit at a bar and be so totally engrossed in each other's conversation for hours and hours. No fire, disease outbreak or gaggle of men could penetrate the force field around us. We were all each other needed right at that time, both yearning to learn about one another - how did the US beast operate VS queen beast from Oz. I was from a land far far away but aside from some minor operating differences but we were hardwired so damn similarly, she passed my Klokov Expirement.

A team player like no other

 

She was assertive borderline aggressive, comical and precious to me, she amazed me everyday. It didn't surprise me when she came home having concocted a plan to solve my visa issues, we bear a child in a lesbian union, since gay marriage was legal in the state of Illinois. She'd already thought through a response to her parents who would declare it a ridiculous idea. Whatever it took, we'd get the job done. 

 

My team mate Heather Furr text me saying she loved me like crazy, had shivers up and down her spine when she heard the news, was so sorry and was there anytime I wanted to talk to her. She told me how much of an impact I'd had on the team in the short time I was there. Heather reminded me of myself back at the Surge, always organizing events, sponsors, networking, making sure we all had the best gear. At the LFL you look after your own. She has devoted her life to the team as I had back home. She was a unique leader one who no matter what the chaos on the sideline had the ability to calm the team and lead them onto the next series in battle. One of those irreplaceable team mates I hold in the highest regard. Happy to admit when she's wrong, no excuses just admission, progress and ultimately success. So sad there would be no more cubs games with Furrball.

 

 

 

My phone rang, I screened calls, I wasn't ready to speak with particular people. Unless they would pull me from where I was I'd speak with them later. I did take Staceys call, I had grown close to him. We met on my very first night out in Chicago. He'd been playing pro basketball in Israel for years so knew what I was going through being away from my blood, I'd spent holidays like Easter with him grateful for someone who took me in as his family. He reminded me about the cousin he'd introduced me to at the gym one day, played for the Bulls. 7 knee surgeries later and he's still dunking vertical. He would get me his rehab strength program to take a look at. Stacey never sugar coated it, always gave it to me blunt, sometimes to a fault, but this time, he soothed & settled me, he knew exactly what to say. It's no simple feat entertaining an alpha woman, whilst there's many loads of positives she's saucy, stubborn and can go from 0-100 in 2 secs flat! If the man says leave your bags, she won't, she's knows she's just as capable of carrying them. The man has to grab the bags first or sensitively but physically remove them from her.  Knowing which moments are healthy to have her assert dominance, and which you need to interject is a damn fine art! I knew he would visit me before I left. He was a genuinely good guy, I would miss him and forever cherish the time I spent with him and his family.

 

 

I reached out to some substantial people in my life in Australia who gave me hope. Little feathers of hope which don't weigh much on their own but joined together can keep you floating until you are ready to come up for air on your own. The kinds of friends you will have forever. The kind who know just what to say in the right moments, they know I rarely yearn for any type of help. Ever. I'm the independent woman who thinks she can do it all on her own. I hit up a few locals in Chicago, who had become close to me and broke the news. Everyone as floored as the next. But I hadn't experienced the summer yet, the looong awaited summer the beautiful folk of Chicago had patiently been calling.

My coach Jason Gaffey at Surge told me to keep my chin up stay positive, something I always reminded him to do. We had build the Surge on positivity, constructive foundations. He admitted he selfishly wanted me back home anyway. There was a little glimmer of light when I thought of being back with my Surge family. Being home with them for some of the pre season I would have otherwise missed. Excited to see my coach Roger Fabri and re create those movement patterns, balance, something I had not sustained in Chicago. He was the expert, I felt a big loss not having him around to push me. 

 

Overnight the NSW Blues had won the 2 of the 3 State of Origin matches. This was HUGE news in Oz to break QLDs 8 yr winning streak, a monumental achievement. I immediately thought of the bro Josh Reynolds, Rugby Leagues nicest guy who had supported every step of my journey in NSW.  He had wished our season was longer so he could support at more games. I smiled at his achievement. Social media was going off but QLDers were very quiet.... 'Despicable elbows and facials by QLD. Thurston is a grub! Hayne is a try saver! Greg Bird what a player. ' Another posted 'Paul Gallen is one of the toughest athletes on the planet, I'm so convinced I'm on a website right now buying GHRP-6.' I laughed. I love Paul Gallen he is the epitome of what I want to be as an athlete. Tough, determined, no bullshit, authentic, a spartan like warrior, no frills, a leader by action. How would he deal with this? I was inspired. My supporter the one who had my image tattooed on her arm, how would she expect me to deal with this? Often I was motivated knowing others looked at me as their mentor. I sat up straight out of my slump and thought to myself, It's time to do what you do best. Go forth and conquer .... be the example. 

 



Ironic where your own motivation can rise from

 

 

The official game recap was released, we had a sloppy game, full of turnovers, a real disappointment to the city of Chicago and ourselves. We were the champs and whole lot better than this BS. But if we could tie the game with that many turnovers it was only up from here. Damn shame I couldn't contribute to it. But I was healing.

ACL Injury Pt 2 - The Verdict

Corey picked me up and took me to MRI of Arlington Heights Imaging. The last time I'd layed in a similar machine was for CT scans to test whether my melanoma had spread. This reminded me the knee was not going to be an issue. In the grand scheme of life it could be dealt with. We went to Tri Balance Holistic Health and Nutrition where Dr Andrew Hopkins chiropractor gave me an ultrasound to reduce the swelling.  We ate lunch at Whole Foods, I was a first time customer. A gigantic health goods store. A beacon in the night, a savior of souls amongst a country of over indulgence. 

We returned to SkyPoint Medical and waited In Dr Sameer's office for the radiographers reports to come through. Dr Sameer had looked after my GP & prescription needs in Chicago, a genuine professional who made me feel very comfortable around him. We waited and waited until the sun went down and decided the next day would show more. I missed my first practice that night. Allie and ChrisDell came home and hugged me, we genuinely missed each other and had spent less than 24 hrs apart. Some players can be absent from practice and fly under the radar. I didn't want to be one of those players, my team always need me, I need them. 

Waiting results at SkyPoint Medical

My body clock woke me at 7am, I ate my standard breakfast (1/2 cup rolled oats & Vitamin King protein shake), read my emails and caught up on how Dad had handled his knee replacement in Sydney. I was anxiously waiting all day to hear from Dr Sameer so turned my phone on loud. I had my last Vicoprofen the day before at 7am, hadn't needed another dose since. So why was I so tired? I fell back asleep until 10am.  There was an eerie weight bearing on me, on the room, on the apartment. Was it the suspense? Perhaps, but for now I just wanted to lay, I dozed back off after lunch for a 1/2 hr nap.

Waiting, wondering, medicated.

I played phone tag with Corey for a bit until I emailed Dr Sameer his lifting session for the night since I couldn't get out to train him at the studio. He called me back immediately and said the radiographer report just came through showing a complete tear of the ACL. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I had felt so positive, each day had been less painful, was now moving without crutches and felt so much improvement. In my mind I was already rehabbing for the July 3 Vegas game. My buddy Adam Curley would be in town to cover the UFC double header weekend, he was coming to watch me play, there were other Aussies in town and it was my first trip to the strip! I was devastated, mid food prep cooking chicken breast, trying to remove it from the oven with tears flowing, sobbing like a baby thinking don't burn yourself, keep control, don't drop the tray. With every inch of my being I had thought I was going to be fine. Everything you believe you attract, I get that, I had been envisaging good thoughts and affirmations, hadn't I? Since you attract what you think about most it is easy to see what your dominant thoughts have been on every subject of your life. How had I caused this to happen?

I was completely dejected

I started to over analyze, women are great at that....where had I gone wrong? Your thoughts reverberate throughout the entire universe! Then it dawned on me. A friend had asked me to catch up with him Monday after the game. My response was 'lets see where I'm at, so many things could happen'. The weather forecast was great, we were probably going to drink 'winner piss' (aussie slang for post match team bonding) for a few days before we knuckled down onto our next opponent. It's sacred time we spend with our team mates and I didn't want anything to disrupt that. There was a tiny iota that thought not specifically about injury but more so the body being so sore post game you don't want to have plans except laying in a bath.  Your thoughts create the frequency, they create like pictures on the stage which is our life! I had caused this myself. In my head it was a simple mathematical equations I found my answer. 


I had a call from my friend Lovel Palmer a pro soccer player for Chicago Fire. He was new in town too having moved from playing in Salt Lake City. He had tried to phone me a few times but I hadn't answered, he sensed there was something wrong. He's the kind of guy who's voice alone can calm you, an authentic guy with a positive, glowing attitude to life. His sister a Jamaiican Olympian track star with heart wrenching tales of her own was in the Sydney Olympics, damn they had some athletic genes. He told me of his knee troubles in Jamaica, an MRI report indicated a tear in ACL and tear in meniscus, they performed surgery immediately but after going under the knife discovered the surgery was unnecessary, the ACL was intact. Two lessons here...a) always get a second and third opinion and b) if you sense your friends need you they probably do. We organized to visit the top of the Willis Tower which overlooks Chicago from a completely glass sky deck before I left. 

The thought of leaving was heartbreaking

I reached out to Coach Hac, the man who made all this happen and coach John who had supported me with everything I needed once I arrived. They were shocked, disappointed, said nothing would be the same without me. We didn't expect things to end this way.



Allie came home to me slumped in front of the computer screen reading the radiographers MRI report, She knew by my voice something was wrong. Knowing it was bad news she hugged me while I whimpered, told me she loved me and everything would be okay. 'We were brought together for a reason, I don't ever want you to leave me, I don't want to go back to my life without you' I sobbed uncontrollably. Neither did I. Not that life in Sydney was bad by any means, just different. Perhaps Chicago would get old one day and stagnant as my life had in Sydney, would lose the excitement and joy of something sparkling and brand new. But that day was not today.

I skyped my friend UFC Fighter Hector Lombard in Florida, he spent part of the call hanging upside down from some stretching machine. He could see I was hurting and made me laugh to take my mind off the situation, generally by being stupid but still made me laugh. He told me he'd pinched a nerve recently in his neck during a car accident. After taking a blow to the same area at training the condition was looking to impact his fight scheduled for August. Surgery was impending until Dana White hooked him up with a specialist who treated footballers. After some treatment he felt cured and was prepping for his fight without going under the knife. He warned me to get some further opinions before securing any plans. It turned out later he had herniated discs and unfortunate had to pull out the fight in the end. 

Corey phoned again and said they were teeing me up with an Orthopedic surgeon who looked after the San Diego Chargers Dr Brian Moss. I needed that piece of mind, I deal who are specialists in my sport, the best. They don't waste time, know their content and treat correctly the first time. Corey could hear by my crackly voice I was still processing the grief 'remember to breathe tonight, breathe deep, let it go and start the healing process when you wake tomorrow.' 


Allie went asked me if she should stay home from her date that night, I told her to go and wondered if it would be as successful as the last one. Chrisdell had heard the news and came over to stay the night. She hugged me and told me to reach out to god, leave it in his hands. I would do that later that night. As I explained my situation, that I felt it was too early to leave her she could see I was hurting. She said 'I look at you like my big sister, you're always strong and sensible, my voice of reason, to see you so hurt is tearing me apart' I couldn't be strong now, I'm always the strong one for everyone, I stand and I deal. I knew tomorrow or the next day I would fine but right now I was a broken woman. I didn't quite know how to deal with this flood of tears, so I let it go. Being a logical human being VS an emotional one had me struggling with these feelings. Together with news of ChrisDell's uncle passing earlier it topped off what had been a horrible day for her. I felt selfish.

ChrisDell told me Shari I have a soft spot for you, I can never say no to you

ACL tears are so common in stop start sports. The NBA had blowouts all the time I was reminded of Chicago’s Derrick Rose. Kentucky center Nerlens Noel, New York’s Iman Shumpert, Minnesota’s Ricky Rubio, Oklahoma City’s Eric Maynor, Leandro Barbosa & Rajon Rondo Boston Celtics and Lou Williams Atlanta Hawks guard all went down. Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III, South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore, New York Giants CB Terrell Thomas suffered the injury during pre-season practice 2012.

The hurt I felt was nothing related to having surgery or rehab, my body was a well oiled machine. I would lose my fitness and strength quickly but it returned even quicker. I'd had surgery pre Australian season. A breast augmentation, then a double groin hernia which revealed an often un diagnosed very dangerous spitzoid melanoma on my calf. Further surgeries to remove lymph nodes in my groin confirmed the cancer hadn't spread but left me completely inactive for 3 months. Not just unable to train, unable to cough, laugh or sneeze without immense pain.

I was hurting because I'd played only one game in US, well one game and a few minutes of another. I'd sacrificed so much to get there and had not reached anywhere near my potential as a middle linebacker. I hadn't satisfied that hunger, it hadn't even touched the sides! Pain is temporary memories are forever. Right now I don't want these as memories, I wanted them in my reality, my existence, my everyday. I'd grown very attached to my new friends in Chicago, the city, the people had done so much for me. That's the part that hurt the most. The unfinished business, the relationships I'd started to build would be cut short. Some I felt a connection with and knew I would be friends with forever. I guess now pen pal friends from a distance. 

It was 2.37am and I was still blogging and researching. I took a vicoprofen hoping it would settle me off and calm my being. Typing slowed becoming more inaccurate as my lids dozed. Before shutting down the computer at 4.06am I came across a Zig Ziglar quote 'How you see your future is much more important than what has happened in the past.' Tomorrows another day and I saw a glimmer of hope.

ACL Injury Pt 1 - Black Friday in Chicago

It was Black Friday alright. I was warming up on field at Sears Centre Arena at Hoffman Estates, Illinois. After the team warm ups our 2 Defensive Ends and I huddled with Coach Ryan to get some reps in. I was starting Middle Linebacker, subbed often as a Wide Receiver on goal line and back up Centre. Coach John came over and gave word kick off time was running slightly behind, we could either head back to the change room and keep warm or stay on field. I wanted reps, I wasn't playing continually both ways so endurance wasn't a concern tonight. We began running through a few swim techniques, mine were progressing to vicious and fast. In the weeks leading up Id been focusing on keeping the jab short and sharp, not opening up my armpit leaving a gigantic target to block. On the third or fourth rep my elbow swung too close to Coach's temple and BAM. I'd jammed him with a fierce blow, dark red blood oozed from a deep eyebrow gash. He swore and asked me to find his glasses which were somewhere smashed on the field. I called the team medic who took Coach back to the change room to get temporarily repaired. After the initial shock at all the blood he was cool but I felt terrible, the game hadn't even started. 

Coach Ryan headed straight to Hospital post game for stitches

The defensive players were introduced onto the field, a short piece we had filmed earlier that day was shown before individual field entrances. My face flashed on the big screen and I aggressively said 'This is Shari Onley THE Aussie Assassin and YOUR middle linebacker! Seattle - I flew all the way from Sydney to Chicago just to bust your ass!! I DARE you to run up the middle tonight!' The footage was quality, when I film those pieces I think of something that will fire the crowd up. You only need to say the word CHICAGO in front of a home crowd and they go nuts, loyalty at its finest, I knew it would be all time. But the audio wasn't jacked up enough. Here I am on screen beating chest, finger pointing into camera, mute warrior cry, blah blah, whatever... it was futile, no one could hear a word of what I said. Such a let down. Still I did my standard bust out through smoke onto the field launched onto the sideline railing stood like a possessed freak and commanded the crowd to make some noise. And they did. They cheered and snapped away on their phones. I had half my face painted Dia de Muertos 'day of the dead' style, a few people gasped, I was scary enough without my face painted but we were ready to put on a show tonight. One of the Bliss Rookies Jori Parys, also a professional singer, sung the Anthem. Again, the audio wasn't loud enough, ugggh it sounded like it wasn't even on! Jesus christ who was running this shit show? The patriotic crowd joined in half way through the anthem to save a trickle of embarrassment. Audio dude you'll be Donald Trumped by now. 

Is #10 Kim Perez looking at my face paint? Little did she know she would be playing middle linebacker tonight

After only a few series of the game, a couple of minutes in I was in pursuit of a Seattle player who had the ball thrown to her. She layed out to catch the ball, fumbled (which I couldn't see from my position behind her) and as I came down to tackle her I felt my knee shift. I experienced more of a dislodgement of the knee cap rather than a pop, some brief numbness then relatively severe pain. Dammmmm that initial feeling of intense pain never got any easier, a rush of so many disappointing emotions, reminded me of my old netball days when we'd sprain ligaments in our ankle every other week. Most netballers knees and ankles were shot from the sudden stop start of the game. LFL Doctor and Chicago medics Scott & Nick from The Wellness Source came on field and after a few tests helped me hop off. As I got to my feet I thought perhaps it wasn't as bad as what was initially felt. I vaguely remember the announcer saying my name and the crowd clapping me off, it's all a blur. Back in the change room we did a series of tests, our trainers said it didn't seem to be the ACL or MCL. Thanks the lord. I tried walking every step becoming more painful with sharp twinges stopping me. I sat on the edge of the change table as tears welled up in my eyes. I took off my gloves, and PPE gear and ferociously launched them across the change room. My shoulder pads were miked up again that game, the audio recorded is normally passionate F bomb after F bomb at the opposition, tonight it was at myself. Together with game day adrenaline I was angry, angry at myself, angry at my knee, angry at how early in the game it was, angry at this god for saken situation I was in on Friday 13th.

Not a collision impact, more rotational

Team mates #15 Heather 'Rockstar' Furr and #10 Kimbo 'Slice' Perez look on

Hearing the crowd roar outside the only thing I could wonder was whats the score.... I asked our trainer what the score was, how would he know Shari he's been looking after your angry ass. 'Get me back out there.'  'But theres only 4 minutes to go in the half by the time we ...' 'I DONT CARE GET ME OUT THERE.' 

A friend who took this picture would later jokingly post on Facebook 'Shari Onley thrown out of game for fighting. Complete bullshit. You knock a girl out cold for 7 minutes with one punch, not only should you be able to stay in the game you should get a trophy. #TalkShitGetHit'

With the help of crutches we hobbled back to the end zone, I waited for the play to stop and crept back onto the field to get into the bench. I gave my best gratitude smile to the Chicago crowd as they clapped and yelled words of encouragement to #11. All I could focus on was the game. Wheres the momentum, what did I miss, does Kim know her assignments in my position, who's doing what. I sat in the bench for the rest of the game. Crowds are always supportive at our games. Most of them realize the game has changed from the days of Lingerie football tiny petite framed models prancing around. They know and appreciate  what we go through to actually take that field.  My team mates stopped by wondering if Im okay. Focus off me I'm fine, back onto the game, high fives, keep working my sisters, #19 Telly gets sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct for a series. Torn between yelling at the girls, getting the crowd fired up, yelling at the ref 'get Seattles #7 off she's covered in blood Roger, open your fucking eyes' God damn home game referees, why did we always feel like we were playing away with the amount of penalties they gave us? Roger...what the fuck... ROGER!!!? Coach Hac was rubbing off on me. Id always had a bit of Hac in me, relatively patient until its something Im passionate about the STEP THE HELL OUT MY WAY. It's why he'd imported you from Down Under, part of the reason you were 'Bliss Material'. 

Post game I hobbled up to the meet and greet table, I was the first to arrive to the line of fans wanting autographs and pictures taken. I was never first to arrive. I was always last. I'd put on deodorant, go to the bathroom, powder my nose, the fans shouldn't have to witness me without that. #1 Allie Alberts my roommate, my sister, grabbed the seat next to me #18 Hallie Jiskra our other import from Green Bay sat next to her. Good I needed them, we needed each other after that ridiculous draw.  I love the fans and appreciate them so much, anyone who reads my social media knows I actively post to keep everyone up to date but that night I just went through the motions. Brain numb, icy cold knee exterior, burning hot inside. Wondering, contemplating what would come of this pain.

Thank you David for being such a loyal supporter of myself and the Bliss 

#5 Deena Fagiano and #13 ChrisDell 'The Ferrari' Harris drove me to the Bliss after party. Despite feeling like collapsing after a home game we try to drop in briefly and say hi to everyone. Except this time I didn't deserve rest, I wasn't tired I had played a couple of minutes, nothing compared to my teammates. Corey Kelly was waiting at the bar, he was my all round go to guy in Chicago. A jacked vegan bodybuilder and  yoga guru who broke down all stereotypes about vegans. He owned/ directed SkyBalance Fitness and SkyBalance Med Spa  was Practice Manager and co owner at Skypoint Medical Practice and had set up TriBalance Yoga Centre. His facilities had looked after all my treatment in Chicago, maintenance and game week massage, chiro, facials, microderm, keratin hair treatments, they even did a vampire facial on me, which I loved. Do not believe the hype around Kim Kardashians dramatic performance when she had one on her reality show! Corey was a practitioner who valued the mind body connection, I felt very comfortable around him, he exuded a positive aura for his holistic approach. We shared a similar mindset to health on so many levels. He ordered me a beer, propped me up on a stool and cradled my knee, examined it and told me he'd book ultrasounds and MRI scans first thing tomorrow. Given his knowledge and expertise I felt relieved knowing he would look after it for me. 

Everyone kept asking if I was using new makeup, it was my Sky Balance glow

After our LA game the tables were turned.  What goes around comes around.  Deena had unknowingly mixed some medication and together with post game low blood sugar levels she suffered a huge crash spending until sunrise throwing her guts up. We monitored Deena at #20 Yashi 'The Incredible' Rice's house (RnB star and sister of former NFL star and pro bowler Simeon Rice)  while she hugged the toilet bowl for what seemed like an eternity. I know if I don't eat sugar immediately post game, regardless of how I feel at that moment, guaranteed I get pale, light headed and queazy. Meanwhile ChrisDell had taken an absolute bashing on the run game and was suffering serious knee pain. This woman is an absolute warrior who will keep marching no matter what. But this night getting into Yashi's building through revolving doors was like a scene out of a nursing home. Her in one section me in another slowly inching the door around so she could shuffle and slide her way in. She was in so much pain wincing with any movement. Pain killers and ice were on order once we got upstairs and she moaned her way to sleep while her Mum watched carefully. This is the real LFL people. 

On the drive home Deena and I stopped for ice cream, the 7 Eleven cashier asked if we were cheerleaders for the Chicago Bears since we were in Chicago colours. Really? These massive tree trunk legs did a triple backward air somersault Deena was supposed to catch me but her jacked biceps failed and I landed wrong, THAT Mr 7 Eleven cashier , is why I, this beast of a woman who just bought out your ice-cream and candy section, is on crutches. I don't understand when people say they had a splurge on chocolate if they ate one row of squares. On the odd occasion I do I splurge I do so for myself and half of Africa. Two bags of extra salty chips, 2 ice creams, 2 candy bars, 2 pastries, a bag of lollies and a newborn child. Getting jacked naturally is soooo simple. Don't skip meals, instead ADD them. When you think you've eaten enough, eat more just to be sure. I'm not perfect but this blog is my reality, I've always been honest and will continue to keep it real. If I didn't work out like a crazy woman I could be much bigger. 

My swole sister Deena. We eat, a lot and lift heavy things often. It was a simple mathematical equation.

Aside from a few anti inflammatories after the game I was drug free. I couldn't sleep, layed in bed sobbing from the pain listening to the Deena express from the engine room. After she woke she gave me 4 tylenol, helped slightly with the situation, enough to get into the car and back home. Doc called in a script of Vicoprofen and anti inflams. The vicoprofen worked a gem, first time was a double dose which made me slightly euphoric and giddy. I kept them up on Drs orders every 4-6 hours that day. Still hobbling about on crutches knowing I wouldn't get to have the MRI till Monday. Dr said normally MRI's would be performed after swelling had reduced but athletes cases are a little different. 

So You Want to be an LFL Player?

I’ve been through a 2 year lead up and one season playing predominantly as a tight end for NSW Surge - the inaugural 2014 LFL Australia Legends Cup Champions. Has a nice ring to it huh? Yea well it didnt come easy, before you read any further just know this is not a positive 'yes everybody can do it, come along and try out' blog. I am by no means a veteran of the sport but I've learnt alot along my journey, I’m here to keep it real. I cannot vouch for how other franchises run their operations but at NSW Surge there are several expectations which might give you some insight before you trial.

Legends Football League has been highly successful in its first Australian season, exceeding projected attendance at NIB Stadium, Centrebet Stadium, AAMI Park and Skilled Park. Loads of exciting things in the pipeline for 2015 season, the possible addition of 2 new teams (total of 6 nationally) the season commencing as early as October and possibly, due to consumer demand, games airing live with a free to air network.  Boomshakalaka. 

TRIALS

The open trials date will be set very soon for March. It is likely (however not certain) you will be tested on L test, T test, 40yard dash and standing long jump. If you don’t know what they are you better learn quick smart ,you have around 6 weeks to prepare. You will run various football drills involving tackling, hitting, blocking, catching and passing so warm up those hands, every position on the field needs to be able to catch. Your performance will be judged from every angle just like any other sport you will be photographed and scrutinised on film. There is no more important key to being coachable than actually listening to the directions being given to you. You don’t have to be a high-motor girl. But you must be ready to react when given an assignment. Throw yourself into that assignment until it is 100% complete. For the love of god, if you plan on laughing or being too concerned with how you look during the trial just leave, go home now before one of the Surge veterans take your head off in a drill. Do not waste our time.

 

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

You should stop training for looks immediately and start train for functionality. This is a speed sport, explosive starts, decelerate, change direction and accelerate again quickly whilst controlling your body and minimizing reduction in speed – add catching the football, evading your opponent and advancing the ball. If you are not already agile, coordinated and able to move laterally (hip mobility anyone?) you have 6 weeks. Go.   

 

Eliminate distance running (fist pump!) it reduces explosiveness which compromises your speed and is not conducive to the sport, we generally move in short bursts of 10 yards or less before changing direction, accelerating or decelerating. Slow aerobic activity is not your friend. If it's conditioning you're concerned about there are other methods to get in shape without reducing your explosiveness. If you are successful in this sport you will also be pressed for time and learn to maximise training very effectively - every minute counts.

 

More muscle! We all know why we should strength train, surely you've read my experiment NSW are the powerhouse of LFL Australia, we bear muscle and more importantly we know how to use it. Not bicep curl then bosu ball then treadmill strength, raw mongrel grit teeth functional power to apply on the field. We eat big, get huge and strong before season then taper knowing that during season we maintain or slightly lose strength. Stack it on ladies, especially if you’re vying for one of the big dogs spots on the line.  We are scouting for some new german shephard material.

 

At various points during pre season coaching staff will test your 1 RM bench and squat and max pronated pull ups. Speed and strength programs are maintained individually, although many athletes opt to schedule theirs as a unit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPECTATIONS

If you’re going to prioritise another sport over LFL (Crossfit, rugby union, netball, whatever) you may not make the playing squad. Dedication and commitment to this sport means you will forfeit late Saturday nights, birthdays, weddings, social functions and so on. If you’re a party girl do not pass go, do not collect $200 exit this blog immediately and slap yourself for not watching this . If there is no internal passion for the sport, there won’t be the level of commitment necessary to succeed.

 

If you’re coming from an individual sport start thinking differently. This sport is like no other. The Surge is tight, real tight. Those who were in it for themselves or were anything but a positive influence on the unit exited some time ago. There is no sport that is more reliant on the girl next to you. The Surge is not a team with infighting so if you’re bitchy, later gator. Much like a job application you can have all the athletic qualifications in the galaxy but if you don’t fit the team dynamic you may luck out.

 

TRAINING SQUAD

If you are selected in the training squad last season our practice began with 3 hrs of fundamentals every week Surge Sunday it's like church you look forward to it all week. NSW Surge have a mission statement you will learn, upon entering the team you are expected to uphold that at all times. We run with military precision within the framework we are given and the player beside you sure as hell expects you’re contributing to the team to the best of your ability. A committed athlete doesn’t have to be repeatedly told what to do, she is the one telling and showing others what to do. Greatness is not thrust upon you. Athletics are not video games where you can power up by hitting the right button. A committed athlete knows that reaching her goal can be a journey, and she must be steadfast in that journey.

 

Anytime that you’re not training you will be learning the passing tree and religiously watching game film of LFL US or our previous season. Add to that a playbook you will go to sleep reading each night which will be altered at various times. Soon football practice will be twice a week, we've trained in many different locations across the Sydney area.

 

You may play a flag match against an experienced mens team, running up against giants  3 times your size. David meets Goliath – you’ve seen the footage, nothing intimidates the Surge and more importantly we never say die. You will attend mini camp and be flogged within an inch of your life, after which there will be further cuts to the team. You'll make friends, they'll disappear, the numbers dwindle only the resilient remain.

 

Coming into season practice will eventually ramp up to 3 sessions per week. Up to 8 weeks before season you will start hitting in training pads and helmets, which many of us wear during speed and agility sessions so they became second skin. 

 

CONTRACTS

If you are contracted during game week a playing roster of 14 athletes will be announced, if you do not make the playing roster you will not suit up or travel to away games. This will hurt, you've worked hard to get to this point but you gotta keep working. Don’t blame others for the decision, go get to work and hustle on your weak points. Don’t come to practice with your shoulders down sulking, we are here for the goal of the team and often that means putting aside your personal goals for whats best for the unit. How you act and react affects you and those around you. Committed athletes surround themselves with like-minded individuals. The commitment you have can help inspire another athlete and vice versa. Do not allow any excuses to enter your mind. The minute you do, weakness will soon follow. It’s easy to give up. It’s hard to never quit.

 

Promotional duties juice up before season, most are very rewarding, some at rather inopportune times or when you least feel like doing it. You may have to take leave from work to attend some duties. You will be marked on attendance for practice and promo activities if you do not reach the minimum requirement you will be released from the team. Remember, players can be released at any time.

 

 

That uniform goes on for game day and media promotions, that's it. Outside of games it is a typical football environment, training in mud, rain, slop, covered in bruises aching and sore constantly. One of the hardest parts is managing your football/ strength/ agility sessions with niggling injuries. If you are a princess in any sense of the word goodbye, this game is not for you. You will get the piss knocked out of you repeatedly, you must love contact and thrive on the physicality of being tackled or tackling with the intention of burying heads in the grass. You will be expected to bring the pain every session against your team, not with the intention of hurting them but to better them as footballers. You must have a kill switch that flicks on/off on comand. The ol saying goes 'It ain’t about how hard you can hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.' There is so much more I could say but the Surge special sauce is what makes us Champions, only those who take part till the very, very end can truly experience the taste.

  

REWARDS

You will develop an appreciation for one of the most majestic games ever created with access to some of the best coaching staff in Australia who will hone skills you never knew you had. Be part of a rarity in womens sports, an international league that is actually growing.

 

Your fitness will be taken to another level if you follow the programming, we will take you to places you’ve never been before. Persistence pays off, dedication to movement patterns for your position will become religious.

 

You will become part of the Surge family, as wide as we are tall overflowing with professionals from fine tuning our engines to well known brands who clothe us or protect our teeth. The Surge support crew spreads far across this sunburnt country and the globe. I've recently shipped my supporters tees to Brussells Germany, Phoenix Arizona, Tokyo Japan and Manchester UK. We are nothing without the wider Surge family.

 

 

 

Playing against or alongside veterans of the game you have watched on TV from LFL US is a humbling, incredibly enriching life journey – you will learn so much from these figures, from their experience, dedication and guidance. Experience flying across this beautiful country playing in the best stadiums in front of crowds of thousands of screaming fans.

 

 

 

 

The deepest sense of team comradery once you hit the battle field, one like you’ve felt in no other team sport. You will be surrounded by a group of the most inspiring, hard working, resilient warriors who will change your life. The Surge athletes all have this healthy inner confidence, a triumphant glow, that spills onto the field with their unity, into their everyday lives and those around them, that is why we're the champions. The women are in fact 'A League of Their Own.'

 

 

So I leave you with this question – what is motivating you to play LFL? If it’s for fame and your name in lights you will be embarrassed. If it’s for the love of football and you’re ready to dedicate close to every waking moment for the next 7 months of your life to defending the championship title, see you at the trials. Give it everything you’ve got, you’re competing against superwomen who have already trained for 2 years for their spot. Coaches won't expect you’re at the same skill level but they need to see your potential. I wish you the best of luck. Remember one last thing, never let anyone tell you you can't do anything, never, ever give up.