With the temperature expected to hit 35 degrees on Sunday, Anthony, originally from Geraldton north of Perth, knows only too well the difficulty of playing in the state’s oppressive heat.
“It not only takes physical preparation but mental preparation as well…we’re going into round one with the right attitude so nothing will break us,” Anthony told kangaroos.com.au.
The 23 year-old believes his side is more than well equipped to handle whatever is thrown at it on and off the field
“We’ve had a massive pre-season and we’re at our fittest so no matter what the weather brings we can beat it."
But he acknowledges the challenge won’t be easy.
“We haven’t had many days over 30 degrees in Melbourne this summer so it will be tough to battle. The Eagles have trained in the heat all pre-season so they will be used to it.”
Surprisingly, Anthony believes North Melbourne’s pre-season training camp in freezing cold Utah could also have a positive effect.
“We’ve experienced both extremes in weather this pre-season, from the snow in Utah to the heat of our summer so I don’t think we’ll have any trouble playing in 35 degree heat in Perth,” Anthony said.
However, the team will take whatever it can to combat the sun with many precautions and equipment set to be put in place including fans, ice-vests and ice-baths.
“The fans and ice vests instantly drop your body temperature so we’ll be utilising these on Sunday to negate the impact of the hot conditions.”
An added incentive to get over the line will be the 150 game milestones for Michael Firrito and Daniel Wells.
The club celebrated captain Bren Harvey’s 300th game during its last trip to Perth.
