There is a heaviness that comes with success, as the Tigers will learn throughout this season. Human beings, like many other animals, have social hierarchies and success in someone’s chosen field – be it sport, business, music or any other profession – pushes them up the social ladder.
At a subconscious level, and from an evolutionary perspective, this move up the ladder increases the prospect of finding a partner, producing offspring and keeping those offspring safe and healthy once they’re born.
While this isn’t at the forefront of the mind of a footballer who has just won a premiership, what does become evident is that people treat you differently. It might be the eagerness of journalists and the public to hear your voice, drink cards making their way into your palm when you’re out at a bar, or businesses eager to partner up so that some of that premiership shine will lead to an increase in sales.
While the increase in attention isn’t to everyone’s liking, the warm feeling of success, and the movement up the social hierarchy is universally craved. And that’s where the heaviness comes in.
Dustin Martin and his Tigers are now the hunted. Photo: Eddie Jim
Photo: Eddie Jim
Movement on the social structure can be multi directional, so what moves up can also move back down. Suddenly, the successful team and its players have something to lose other than the four points each week. Some premiership teams try to focus on the feeling of still being the hunter rather than being the hunted. However, this feels disingenuous.
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SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
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