Harry Ngata: Postponement will test resolve

An aerial view of Suncorp Stadium covered with flood water. Photo / Getty Images

The devastating flood disaster that has hit the Queensland coastline recently has forced the FFA to postpone the Wellington Phoenix's away game to the Brisbane Roar this weekend.

Some of the pictures coming out of Queensland and in particular Suncorp stadium are a ones of bewilderment. Sport and in this case football pale in significance to those heavily affected by this disaster.

Suncorp has not only been used as an evacuation facility but an electrical fire and waterlogged pitch has meant that the game is likely to be replayed on the 26th of January. That means both teams will have a much needed rest this weekend.

I spoke to Tim Brown last night who was hoeing into a serve of fish and chips with a game free weekend in mind. Players never like missing games especially when recent performances have been encouraging.

However the events leading to this postponement are out of everyone's hands.

What it does do is compound what has been a fairly demanding season for the Phoenix and heap a new level of pressure on the squad with three games in the space of a week leading into an important part of the season.

They will play the Perth Glory on the 23rd of this month. The Nix who have only one win on the road this season travel to Suncorp on the 26th to face the league leaders and return to Westpac on the 30th in what could be a season defying match against fellow finals contenders in the Newcastle Jets. A timely win on Tuesday against the Fury has propelled the Jets well into play off contention.

Every individual will handle this type of pressure differently. Some will be apprehensive at this mental shift. Some will adapt better than others and you only hope that the later percentage prevails. Confidence will play a massive role and that will come as a result of positive outcomes.

Preparation will be shortened which will mean recovery time in between will be major factor and of the upmost importance. Throw in a trip across to Queensland and back and you have a recipe for fatigue both mentally and physically.

Speaking from experience I know that as soon as that final whistle goes you switch into recovery mode irrespective of the result. That match is done, finished whatever the result. You will evaluate and analyze it later as a unit but mentally you switch your focus onto recovery - hydration, food, injury assessment and preparation for the next game three days later.

Our expectation has increased this season and as fans we are hungry for a repeat of success and perhaps one better than last season. Player expectation would also be heightened and although performances and results have been inconsistent at times as a player you know what you're goals and expectations from each other are.

They probably over achieved last year which set the benchmark much higher this time round. As an indirect benefit other results have gone their way for parts of the season.

A bit of luck will always help but their destiny is in their own hands.