We are in dangerous medical territory right now.

Ian (Thorpe) is now in the top three most recognized sports stars in Japan behind Tigers Woods and David Beckham. (But) it is a getting to know you process ... Ian has been to Asia at least 20 times and immersed himself in the culture.

Libby is the hottest swimmer in the world right now and is on the way to becoming a superstar, if she is not already there.

What he swims at the Commonwealth Games is a matter for the coaches.

The last thing we can afford right now is to make excuses. We're inexperienced at some spots, that's the way it is. We have injuries, so does everyone, that's the way it is.

Our returning players learned so much from our seniors last year and they have been quick to demonstrate the right way to do things to our newcomers. We don't believe in the moniker of defending national champions, because when a team wins a championship it's theirs forever. But this group wants to emerge from the shadow of last year's team and create it's own identity. In a lot of ways the lead-up to the 2006 season is more exciting because there is an element of the unknown.