I was there and it was good night and the players seemed to look much fitter than last year and those I spoke to claim they are.
They seem to be pretty happy and you could see lots of nodding of agreement from the players when Trent spoke and also DCE, so they seem to be in accord with what they have been doing and what is planned. Trent said he was happy that they now have greater depth and if injuries occur it will make it much easier than last year to have suitable replacements and competition for places in the team is very strong.
Interesting is that they are 'dry' (no alcohol) until the end of round five. Some of the guys are apparently finding it a bit tough being dry but they have all agreed to abide by it as they want to get off to a strong start, unlike last season.
Zorba got cranky with the way Matt Shirvington was doing the auction so he pushed him aside and took over and Matt looked rather shocked by it all. It was quite a funny moment.
Food was good and booze was good and service was very good.
A great impromptu moment at the end of the night was when some of the players mulled around the piano outside the venue, while one played (Matthew Wright I think) and they sang 'Stand by me'.
