Life in isolation is all about finding perspective, and Western Bulldogs defender Easton Wood has found his silver lining over the last few weeks.
The demands on the modern-day league footballer mean that while they’re in the cut and thrust of a normal season, most of their attention is on training, playing, recovering and the many meetings in between.
It’s an unashamedly selfish existence, as players leave no stone unturned in their search for the ultimate success.
But as the season entered a temporary shut-down and life at home became the new norm, Wood’s priorities have naturally shifted.
“I’ve just been able to spend a lot more time with my family,” Wood told ABC Radio’s THE LEAD program.
“My wife, my daughter (six-month-old Matilda) and I came down to my mother’s place in Camperdown, which has got about three acres of garden and a couple of paddocks, so there’s a bit of space down here, which is nice.
“My wife and I have been one night on, one night off with the night shift, which is something I haven’t done before.
“I’ve been getting used to that with my little girl - she’s been waking up six or seven times a night, so that’s been an adjustment for me!
“I’ve certainly got more of an appreciation for what Tiff’s been going through over the last number of months.
“The extra time with little Matilda is special. Even though she’s crying at night, those moments of rubbing her head to put her back to sleep are really nice."
