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SIMON Katich is still deciding whether to temporarily swap his pink GWS Giants runners outfit for the Big Bash orange of the Perth Scorchers.
The former Test opening batsman now covers up to 20 kilometres a week delivering coach's messages to the young Giants as part of his full time role as a leadership mentor with the fledgling AFL club.
Not surprisingly the 38-year-old has never been fitter and will make his mind up in July whether to play with the Scorchers in the Champions League this September and October after the Perth side won the Big Bash earlier in the year.
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"There's plenty of time," Katich told the Daily Telegraph, explaining that he is in constant touch with Scorchers coach Justin Langer.
"If that window fits in around the job here, the Giants have said they'd be happy for me to participate (in the Champions League)."
Katich in action for the Perth Scorchers against Sydney Thunder at The Furnace. Source: News Limited
Katich was already contracted with the Scorchers for last summer when approached by the Giants during November to become part of the support staff.
"The club (GWS) were really good about letting me play (in the Big Bash). It was nice to play in the final and get the right result."
He could have returned to England this winter for another season of county cricket but with wife Georgie expecting their second child in August, taking up the Giants' offer was a "no brainer."
"Family is really important and to be able to be home virtually every night compared to being on the road for six months in England, and to be able to work in a team where they're aspiring to win premierships and be the best in the comp, that excites me. It was too good an offer to knock back," Katich said.
Simon Katich pictured at the GWS Giants training at Homebush today. Source: News Corp Australia
So he slogged it out with the players during the preseason.
"We were kidding ourselves thinking we were fit as cricketers," said Katich, who played 56 Tests between 2001 and 2010, scoring 4188 runs at an average of 45.
"Thankfully I have been able to adjust and stay out on the park because it (being GWS runner) has been pretty physically demanding.
"These guys are phenomenal athletes. I've been blown away with what they have to go through during the preseason and on game day as well."
There have been some quizzical looks from opposition players, particularly during the preseason NAB Cup, with Swans defender Nick Malceski exclaiming "what are you doing out here" and St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt, wanting to bail Katich up for a chat about cricket.
It has been a steep learning curve sitting in on match committee and opposition review meetings to ensure he is across the Giants' game plan and player rotations.
Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich in the runner's pinks. Photo by Mark Kolbe Source: Getty Images
While the sports are completely different, Katich believes that cricket can learn from the AFL.
"In terms on the level of preparation for games and the analysis there's no doubt that the AFL does it in a lot more advanced fashion than cricket," he said.
"Playing in only the Big Bash over the last couple of years we certainly do a fair bit of analysis using footage but nowhere near to the same extent as the AFL."
In his role as a leadership mentor Katich has been exposing the players to different learning experiences, which recently included a lecture at Duntroon Military College in Canberra.
There is also homework, with players asked to read books which Katich believes will help them on their journey as a professional sportsmen.
After a decade at the top in cricket there is a simple philosophy he attempts to pass on.
"I believe if you can get into good habits as early as you can during your career they hold you in good stead right throughout," said Katich.
"You're not thinking 'I'll do it tomorrow' and wait for down the track to get it right."
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