The older Jarrod Harbrow gets, the simpler things become.
Whether it's his own preparation or what his Gold Coast team needs to do to take care of Carlton on Saturday night, Harbrow likes to keep it low key.
The 28-year-old missed a big chunk of pre-season after undergoing an ankle operation, but made a triumphant return to the senior team against Hawthorn last Sunday.
Of course, he wasn't the only reason for Gold Coast's incredible turnaround, but the hardness, run-and-carry and cool head Harbrow brings had been sorely missed in the opening fortnight.
He had 26 disposals, kicked a stunning 40m goal off his non-preferred right foot and again showed why he's still one of the SUNS’ most valuable players, despite not being one of their biggest names.
"It just comes down to preparation, that's the main thing I can pinpoint, and knowing your ability and what you're capable of doing," Harbrow humbly told AFL.com.au when asked why he hit top form straight away.
"I just wanted to get out there and help the team."
Harbrow's 185 games trails only Gary Ablett (291), injured Michael Rischitelli (211) and Matt Rosa (186) for experience, and long gone are the days where he's more concerned about his own form.
The Queenslander took a slow, deliberate approach to his pre-season rehabilitation, and despite not reaching his goal of playing in round one, was happy to get three NEAFL games in to prepare him better for the long haul.
After the SUNS demolished Hawthorn last week, Harbow said they have to knuckle down again to beat the Blues.
"We just have to bring that mental toughness again," he said.
"Don't try and do anything you're not supposed to, keep it simple and work hard for each other.
"We don't want to try and do something we're not capable of.
"Everyone contributed, and that's all we have to do again this week.
"Footy's not that complicated, it's all the tough, small things that won us that game, being first to the footy and our pressure was great, that's what got us our win.
"That's what we have to do again or we'll get found out."
