“It’s a bit of my mantra from my dad,” Kirk says.

“Whenever I’ve done anything in Sydney or anywhere else, Albury is where I got my grounding.

“It’s where I developed a lot of my strength and character and resilience which has got me to where I am today.”

So it’s only fitting that the ex-Sydney Swan’s home town should be among the first to see his new book, Brave Heart: Lessons Learnt From Life.

Kirk was on the Border yesterday signing copies at Dymocks on Dean Street and spending time at his old school, Murray High.

Brave Heart was written with his wife, Hayley, who comes from Wagga and has recently released her own novel, Divine Clementine.

“It’s significant that Albury and Wagga are getting the book pre-sale,” Kirk said.

“It’s only right — it’s where we grew up and our memories are here.

“Friends, family and people who know us see it before anyone else.”

Kirk retired from Sydney in 2010 after 241 games, a premiership and twice winning the Bob Skilton Medal as the top Swan.

Now working in the media, Kirk said he had lived his dream.

It hasn’t always been easy which is why his book is aimed at teens and young adults.

Coming up through the Ovens and Murray ranks at North Albury. Kirk was overlooked at the 1998 AFL draft.

“I’ve been through a lot of challenges in my life,” Kirk said.

“People can look at others like myself and put them on a bit of a pedestal but I’ve made a lot of mistakes.

“I’d read a few autobiographies and there’s a fair bit of ego and controversy and I didn’t want something like that.

“I wanted to help people in some way, shape or form.

“I wanted to put something out there that could inspire or help other young people — we’re really proud of it.”

Brave Heart: Lessons Learnt From Life is published by Random House Australia