Prized Coolamon recruit Jake Barrett is ready to roll in round one of the Riverina League next Sunday, after emerging unscathed from his North Eastern Australian Football League (NEAFL) appearance for Greater Western Sydney.
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With Coolamon having the opening round bye last weekend, the Hoppers approved Barrett's release to play for the Giants against his old team, Brisbane Lions, in Brisbane.
Any white knuckles and chewed fingernails concerning his availability for the local derby against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong were unnecessary.
"Yeah, I came through fine," Barrett said.
He had 17 disposals and kicked three behinds in a greater-than-expected involvement after injury struck the Giants early on the way to their 95-point loss.
"It was a pretty tough game. We had a lot of listed fellas go down early and that made it hard," he said.
"It was a bit warmer up there and I definitely felt the heat come the second half. With numbers down, I played a fair bit more of the second half. It was good to get a run in the legs.
"It was good though. I was wondering before the game how fit I would be but I didn't find it too bad. It gave me a bit of confidence going into next week that I'm in pretty good shape."
Expecting to play only a limited role as a small forward, Barrett was also used through the midfield and on a wing. He said although he's maintained his own training, it's supplemented a serious pre-season at the Hoppers.
"I have been doing a fair bit myself but don't get me wrong, our training runs have been very solid at Coolamon. We've done a fair bit of running there and I think that's showed in our praccie matches too - our fitness and the run in our legs has really helped us prepare," he said.
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Barrett headed Coolamon's off-season recruitment, signing in November after being delisted by the Lions.
The club's hopes that a NEAFL run might have the 23-year-old 'cherry ripe' for their opening game appear well-founded approaching the local derby against the Lions.
"Definitely, I can't wait," Barrett said.
"I was only saying that to Aka, our ruckman (fellow recruit Anthony Atkin). Obviously missing round one with the bye and then Easter, it feels like it's taking forever but we're that keen to get out there and have our first game for Coolamon.
"Jerry Maslin is the same as well, he's been looking really good in the pre-season and we all just can't wait to play."
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