After 244 games at Arden Street, the two-time premiership captain lined up against his former team-mates a little over a year after quitting the club in controversial circumstances.
“Most footballers would probably agree that they’re never more comfortable than when they’re out on the field. It’s their office. What they’re used to,” Carey told the cash-strapped Age newspaper.
[RELATED: Highlights: North Melbourne v Adelaide, 2003]
“I was no different, except for one game – the day I played against North Melbourne for the first time.
“I played the Kangas in round six in 2003 and while I wasn’t 100 per cent fit leading into the match, I was just desperate to get it out of the way. It really was the week from hell. So tough that I’d consider it more challenging – mentally – than grand final week.”
Former Hawk now Swan Lance Franklin faces the same predicament this week.
While his departure came in less extreme circumstances, as the highest profile free agent so far the key-forward is the main focus leading into Round 8.
“Regardless of the reasons for your departure, playing against your former team can feel like turning on your family. It’s like jumping out of a trench during a war and going to fight for the enemy. You just don’t do it – or at least, you don’t do it lightly," Carey added.
“In my opinion, he has nothing to fear and nothing to be ashamed about. There’ll always be those who say he turned his back on the Hawks, but he’s given that club more than could be asked.
“He had simply achieved all there was to achieve at Hawthorn and was offered a deal that should safeguard him, financially, for the rest of his life. Why would anyone begrudge that?”
