The practice match in Newcastle last Saturday was his final test. Getting there was the problem. Lalich had moved house the previous night and his alarm failed to go off. So when he woke up on Saturday morning at 8am – at the same time the team flight to Newcastle was taking off from Tullamarine – he naturally went into a state of panic.
Once he calmed down he sprung into action. He knew he had to get to Newcastle by the first bounce. He jumped straight in his car and called Qantas on his way out to the airport. He managed to get on the last seat on the 11am Qantas flight to Sydney. The only remaining seat on the flight was business class so he also finished a bit lighter in the hip pocket.
He arrived at Sydney airport with one hour to get to Newcastle. Having not showered or eaten, Lalich wasn't a pretty sight. He bravely boarded the Air Pelican light plane to Newcastle airport - basically an ultra-light - which got him to his destination in half an hour. All looked on track for Lalich to make the start of the 1.30pm practice match until he waited 30 minutes for a cab at Newcastle airport.
Lalich finally arrived at Newcastle Ground No.1 midway through the first quarter. He did a quick change into his yellow uniform and was running messages for Sheedy and co. soon after. Not quite the perfect preparation for his final test.
