Brock Weston walked through the front door, sat down and took a deep breath.
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"The build up from last Saturday until this Sunday, it feels like forever," the Belconnen Magpies coach said.
Fair enough too, when you've got 22 blokes on your rehabilitation list on a Tuesday night at training. Fair, given the significance of the week for the club and the Bennett family.
Lexie Bennett broke Belconnen's all-time games record in his 269th appearance this week, surpassing the mark set by his father David 28 years ago - and brother James led the way to make sure they celebrated in style.
They did just that in a 12.17 (89) to 6.8 (44) win over Tuggeranong Valley at Greenway Oval to continue their unbeaten start to the AFL Canberra season on Sunday.
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"JB controlled the midfield for long periods of time. He's hard to stop when he's in a mood, he was going to make sure his brother's milestone game was a win," Weston said.
"Lex was great up forward, I think he ended up with five goals on a day that looked difficult to kick goals.
"We just wanted to put in a bit more of a four quarter effort. We wanted a bit more today, and the second quarter was our nemesis again. Tuggeranong came out and won the second quarter. The second half was about arresting that momentum and building back into the game.
"We managed to do it and got the result we wanted, but it's nowhere near the style of football we want to play or the prolonged intensity needed at this level against the best teams."
Canberra Demons imports Adam Kinasch and Alex Paech played a key role for the hosts, but wave after wave of Tuggeranong attack was repelled by Brad Hoffmann in Belconnen's defence.
Max Monaghan impressed in the midfield for Belconnen - but they could be without him for a top of the table clash with fellow unbeaten outfit Queanbeyan next week.
GWS Giants academy commitments could lure Monaghan to Sydney, although the rising star could have a decision to make as health authorities warn against travel to NSW.
"It's hard to look past what you've got in front of you. A couple of weeks ago we knew what we would be up against in Queanbeyan, they've got a really good list," Weston said.
"We tried to put some things in place we thought would help us win games against the other big three. We've shown glimpses, building it for longer periods of time is what it's going to take."
AT A GLANCE
AFL Canberra round three: BELCONNEN MAGPIES 2.8 4.11 9.13 12.17 (89) bt TUGGERANONG VALLEY 0.1 3.2 4.4 6.8 (44) at Greenway Oval.