Despite the 2020 AFL season being suspended, SUNS captain Jarrod Witts still has a big milestone on his doorstep.
Only this particular milestone is occurring off the field.
Witts and his partner Renee are preparing for the birth of their first child, expected on Monday.
Speaking to SUNS Media, Witts said it had given him perspective as to what’s truly important in life.
“I think as it’s getting closer and closer it’s getting realer and realer for us,” Witts said.
“Over the last 10 days you try to keep yourself as busy as possible but this is going to be a legitimate thing that is going to keep me on my toes.
“Renee has been super through this process and has taken it in her stride and going really well.
“It’s exciting times for us personally but it’s a little bit upsetting seeing what’s going on around the world.”
Witts isn’t one to let nerves affect him on the field, but said when it came to fatherhood it was a whole different proposition.
“I think it’s going to hit me all at once,” he said.
“A footy game I’ve sort of got used to because I’ve done it a few times now but with the baby you don’t know what’s coming.
“I guess the unknown is probably the scariest part.
“But we feel like we’re pretty well set up here and I’ve obviously got a lot more time off to give Renee a hand so like I said we’ll just take it as it comes.”
The 27-year-old has always wanted to be a father.
He’s entertained the thought of having his kids with him in the changerooms after a match, and soon that could be a reality.
“To be a young dad and be able to have my little kid running around the changerooms is something that you think that would be awesome down the track,” he said.
“The time’s come and we’re in a position where we’re able to do that.
“I look at Dave Swallow with little Charlie running around and Michael Rischitelli had his kids running around in the rooms so I’m pretty sure that will be an awesome moment when it comes to it.”
The SUNS skipper will join fellow teammates Rory Thompson and Hugh Greenwood who both became fathers this year.
