Billy Slater has spent the last two finals series watching from the sidelines but not this time.
The superstar is determined to be back playing his best football when it matters most.
Slater has missed being part football at this time of year, when finals is on the horizon and home and away games mean that little bit extra.
Storm v Bunnies at AAMI Park! Saturday 26 August, 5.30pm. Be there!
When asked about his plans beyond this year, the 34-year-old was quick to highlight that it was the present, not the future that was well and truly at the forefront of his mind.
“The priority for me is enjoying this season,” Slater said.
“I’ve sat on the sidelines the last two finals series and this year I’ve got an opportunity to play. I am really looking forward to playing my best football and focusing on each game.
“I am just going to focus on enjoying the year, enjoying the moment and enjoying what I have in front of me.”
Having secured the Minor Premiership, expectations have no doubt risen from the critics about what Melbourne can achieve this season.
However as far as the men in purple are concerned, nothing changes.
“We worry about what we can control,” Slater said.
“We can’t worry about what is going to happen in two weeks, the only thing we can control is how we prepare for the Rabbitohs in two weeks.
“We had a good win last week but there are areas in our game that we want to improve so that is what we will focus on this week.”
Storm take on the Rabbitohs at 5.30pm this Saturday at AAMI Park.
