After completing an exhausting 24-hour rowing challenge, it was surprising to hear Fremantle ruck coach Simon Eastaugh first complain about a sore throat.
“I’ve lost my voice because we were going off a bit,” said Eastaugh at the after function of his “Row 4 Steve” fundraiser.
“We had quite a bit of banter and singling along to the music all night, just to egg each other on. It was an amazing experience.”
Tagging in and out with his friend Tony Watson on an ergo rowing machine, Eastaugh was either rowing or getting treatment as he put himself through the ringer all for his sick mate, Steve Ker.
“We had 24 hour massage support through the night,” Eastaugh said.
“I was on his table after every time I got off and he might have thought I was a hypochondriac as there was always something different he had to treat or loosen up.
“I certainly went through some dark times so I’m very thankful to him.
“We did just over 314 kilometres, so I’m hoping I won’t be sitting on one of those for a while!"
With a five year AFL career including two years with Fremantle, the 43-year-old Eastaugh was able to put the challenge into perspective.
“I’ve done my fair share of pre-seasons,” Eastaugh said.
“But none of that stacks up to what we went though in the past 24 hours I can tell you that. That hurt, that hurt really bad."
Eastaugh, Watson and Ker all know each other through playing football and training, and Eastaugh said his motivation was all about digging deep for those close to him.
Eastaugh and Watson weren’t alone at the event at Swan Yacht Club, with 24 additional friends putting in an hour each on a separate rowing machine in support, while Fremantle players past and present were there for moral support.
“It’s a cause that’s close to everyone’s hearts who are here,” Eastaugh said.
“It’s so important that we support each other in this community and that’s been the focus for me.
“The reason why we did this was to support one of our own. All of our rowers were amazing, they’ve been outstanding as well as everyone who has come out today to support us and Steve.”
Fremantle fans wanting to support the ROW 4 STEVE campaign can visit the go fund me page
Well done to Easty and everyone involved!
Freo's Lee Spurr, Nick Suban and Zac Clarke eair to congratulate Simon Eastaugh at the completion of the challenge
