Rev it up!

It's polished, tuned and ready to go. All it needs is the right rider. The one who knows how to get the best out of it. The one with the will to win.

As I write this, Melbourne Heart fans are just starting to lick their wounds and Coasties are starting to dream. For the rest of us, the waiting goes on to see just how well prepared our teams are for the season.

In most cases the team is physically and tactically ready - but so were the Socceroos against Germany! Frightening, eh?

What every team needs is the right mind set - and the right pep talk. The words that switch on the psychological nitro in the brains of the players.

So here's your chance to inspire your team, Reds fans - and others.

During the World Cup, ABC Radio National ran a competition for a 75 word (or less) inspirational speech for the Socceroos at the World Cup. Second prize - a dazzlingly exciting 'Come Play' ball and scarf - found its way to the ICRED household.

We were beaten by a paraphrasing of Shakespeare! Not even original. Not that I'm bitter. Sigh, gnash.....

Anyway, what was a good idea then might be a good idea again.

Imagine yourself in the changing rooms at Hindmarsh. You have 100 words with which to send the team out to win. You know we need them. You know there's only one chance. What will you say?

To get the ball rolling here are two examples. The first is the one that we came second with. I maintain that if it had been read to the Socceroos before that Germany game history would be different! And thankfully that theory can never be tested.

Here you go:

As you pulled on your jersey today, you did so for millions of Aussies who love and admire you.

At this moment there are five year olds - and eighty-five year olds - who feel the same emotions you are feeling.

But do not carry them onto the field.

Let them carry you.

If you tire, let them lift you.

If you doubt, let them re-assure you.

Today, you don't play for Australia.

Today, you are Australia.

And for the Reds on Friday night:

No-one's scared of us tonight. But in ninety minutes time they will be.

They must be.