The San Francisco 49ers were treated well during their week in Melbourne, Australia. They enjoyed good food, great coffee (the most important aspect, my wife might say), and warm welcomes from friendly locals.
Quarterback Brock Purdy was surprised by how welcoming the people of Melbourne were when the 49ers arrived.
"I think the fact that we were here a week early, everyone obviously heard about it, and I think when we jogged out there today and stuff, we definitely felt the love from all the Australians that were pulling for us and stuff," Purdy said.
After their convincing 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams, reporters asked several players whether they would welcome a return trip to Australia. The responses were largely similar.
"It's a long way, especially when you're playing a football season," defensive end Nick Bosa said. "But I definitely want to come back. It's kind of motivated me to travel more, so it's been great."
Left tackle Trent Williams would also love to return to Melbourne. But like Bosa, he would prefer to do so without having to play a football game.
"I would love to come back," Williams told reporters. "I just want to come back for vacation, just to kind of chill and enjoy the city. It was hard for me to go out and really enjoy Australia knowing I had 95 (Rams pass rusher Myles Garrett) coming up.
"I was in the hotel all week trying to study, trying to prepare. So I definitely would love to come back without the work, come back and just enjoy Australia."
Even head coach Kyle Shanahan had a similar answer to his players when asked if he would like to return.
"I would. It was cool," Shanahan said. "I'd like to come back when I'm not working, though, enjoy it a little bit more. The people seemed awesome. It seemed like a fun place. It's tough to have fun when you're working all week, but maybe next time."
Shanahan's answer changed when he was asked specifically whether he'd like the 49ers to return to Melbourne to play another game.
The coach hesitated for a second before sharing his unrealistic NFL dream season.
"I like 17 home games in San Francisco," Shanahan said. "Nothing against Australia. I just don't like to travel."
Meanwhile, Purdy didn't completely dismiss the idea of returning to Australia for another game. However, he believes it would have to happen under the right circumstances.
"I think at the right time of the year and everything," Purdy said. "It was nice that this was the first game of the year for us, coming off camp, and coming out here a week early, and being able to play and stuff. Obviously, once we're in-season and we're going through the grind of it, travel becomes a thing.
"But our overall experience here was amazing, and we'd love to be able to come back and play in front of the people here in Australia."
Mentioned in this article: Nick Bosa, Brock Purdy, Trent Williams
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