MARK RICCIUTO - KOKODA TRACK JUNE 2009

Where do I start? Having experienced many years in elite footy, I thought I was prepared for this. I know about training hard. I know about team play. I know about supporting your mates. But I didn’t know about the PNG jungle these blokes fought for their lives (and ours) in. I didn’t know about the hills, the mud, the humidity and the rain. About Brigade Hill where our diggers were outnumbered 6 to 1 and cut off from their command. About Isurava, where a bunch of young, inexperienced volunteers held off the might of the Japanese Army.

Getaway Trekking surpassed all of my expectations; their pre trek preparation and training of our group...their PNG staff and logistical backup... and the in depth knowledge of Wartime History and local culture by the Getaway Trekking leaders made this a journey of a lifetime.

I’ve learned a lot from footy, but there are still lessons out there - there were plenty of times when we had to dig deep, and everyone pitched in and supported each other. And I learned from our carriers – these guys own nothing, but give you everything. Always smiling, always helping, always an outstretched hand. Top blokes.