So much for being labelled too old, out of form and hardly befitting a million dollars of high-performance funding.
“We were in a slump for a few weeks there,” admits Martin. “It was just about trying to get the boys to believe we could actually win this thing.”
Martin has achieved that four times now, along with mate Makea, 38.
“I walked into this team with Jarrad Martin in ’96 – our first world series – and I get a chance to walk out with him,” says Makea, confirming his retirement and hinting at Martin’s.
But 37-year-old Donny Hale, who suffered a compound fracture and dislocation to his little finger sliding into first base in the final, is planning to be around for the 2015 world championships in Saskatoon.
“Body willing, for sure,” he says. “I still play ball in Japan, so that will keep me in shape.”
The world champions just hope their code can now capitalise on the past week’s efforts and secure at least the same sort of funding for a world title defence.
“We’ve got some good people in the office that work hard for our sport,” says Casley. “I think if we can all get on the same page, then it will be much healthier for our sport.”
The man they call “The Edge” – team analyst Craig Soper – is adamant the Australia v New Zealand showdown last Friday showcased what softball has to offer.
“The hitting, the base running, the sliding … the fights. You know, you had it all – what’s better than that?”
Expect more of the same when most of these team-mates become rivals at next week’s club nationals in Christchurch.