Sydney Swan Tadhg Kennelly is sure to play a pivotal role on the pitch in Saturday's AFL Premiership Grand Final, but the Kerryman actually bought a ticket to watch the Aussie Rules showpiece game last month.
The 24-year-old half-back, who has not missed a minute of the Swans' run through to this weekend's final against West Coast at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, has never experienced the atmosphere of a Grand Final - as a player or a supporter.
"I haven't actually (been to a Grand Final) - I bought a ticket to go this year, that was last month," said Kennelly at a pre-game news conference.
"So either way, I thought I had to experience what all this talk was all about."
Kennelly, who broke into the Swans team only four years ago, is the first Irishman to be involved in the Premiership decider since Dublin-born Jim Stynes back in 1987, and he is determined to make the most of Saturday's game at the impressive MCG. Especially given the fact that Sydney are without a Premiership title since 1933.
"My dad (Tim) played in eight (All-Ireland football finals for Kerry) and won five, and my brother (Noel) played in four and won three," Kennelly conceded.
"So I have been able to experience something similar before. It's a bit of a rehearsal for me but I guess I have to experience it for myself now. I want to enjoy it because I never know when I will be here again."
The AFL Grand Final will be screened live from the MCG on Sky Sports 3 on Saturday (game starts at 6.30am Irish time).
