It's a nothing game, give the kids a chance to show in full game what they can do and put pressure on some of the older players who have not really hit their top form as yet. Some of these guys may really step up and show something.

Port Adelaide v Melbourne preview

Seriously, Leigh Brown the defender?

Melbourne: "Renmark doesn't present any bigger challengesit's going to be hot, but we've trained in that, we've been away together, it's a different environment it's just another challenge and another experience for our group to learn from." Melbourne defender Leigh Brown on the Demons playing in Renmark on Sunday.

Port Adelaide v Melbourne preview

MISSING

Port Adelaide: Travis Boak, Brent Renouf, Angus Monfries, Brad Ebert, Robbie Gray, John Butcher, Kane Cornes, Nick Salter, Dom Cassisi, Cameron Hitchcock, Alipate Carlile, Jay Schulz, Brett Ebert, Jasper Pittard, Justin Westhoff all won't play.

Melbourne: Jack Trengove, Mitch Clark, James Frawley, Sam Blease, Rohan Bail, Max Gawn, Mitch Clisby, Jack Grimes, Nathan Jones, Chris Dawes, Tom McDonald, Jack Watts, Jordie McKenzie, Jeremy Howe, David Rodan, Mark Jamar, Colin Garland, Shannon Byrnes, Lynden Dunn, Jimmy Toumpas and Jack Viney won't play.

In terms of how the season will pan out, this game is unlikely to be a pointer to anything but for the individuals on both sides not on the "missing" lists it means a great deal because a good performance today could be helpful in enhancing their prospects for the remaining NAB Cup matches and ultimately, team selection.

The result is the least of all considerations. If we win, the result gets downplayed because, after all, Port Adelaide didn't play their full side ... and if we lose, we're hopeless because we lost to a lowly opponent that was undermanned on the day.

I'm tipping a draw.

77 posts before the fist bounce for a B team match in the middle of nowhere. Guessing there will be 770 before round one H&A.

Is this game being televised anywhere??

Is this game being televised anywhere??

No , radio only i think

Port Adelaide v Melbourne preview

Seriously, Leigh Brown the defender?

Melbourne: "Renmark doesn't present any bigger challengesit's going to be hot, but we've trained in that, we've been away together, it's a different environment it's just another challenge and another experience for our group to learn from." Melbourne defender Leigh Brown on the Demons playing in Renmark on Sunday.

I think what that means is that anyone who says anything at all positive about the MFC, is referred to in sports journalism circles, as a "Melbourne defender".

Video should be available on Ports website sometime tomorrow...may even turn up on the MFC website as well.

Anyone know who is going to be captain?

Who is broadcasting the game again?

5AA Adelaide

I've been waiting for Taggert to play fit. Hope he gets a run today and the reports good.

You have to wonder what the point of even having this game is... aren't practice matches supposed to be so your team can some MATCH PRACTICE in? I would say 15-16 or even more of our best 22 are not out going to be out there, what the hell are they doing sidelining so many players? It has been a long time since I've seen such a depleted squad, now I'm glad its not on TV because we will surely get absolutely pumped

You have to wonder what the point of even having this game is... aren't practice matches supposed to be so your team can some MATCH PRACTICE in? I would say 15-16 or even more of our best 22 are not out going to be out there, what the hell are they doing sidelining so many players? It has been a long time since I've seen such a depleted squad, now I'm glad its not on TV because we will surely get absolutely pumped

PA is hardly fielding their best side; it's a matchup of MFC and PA's fringe players. It's a case of neither side wanting to show their hand, as they're coming up against each other in Round 1.

it's case of both sides going in to round 1 with the majority of their players not having the benefit on extra warmup match

Will be interested whose captaining.

Will be interested whose captaining.

I assume it will be Jack Grimes

I assume it will be Jack Grimes

yeh but he's not playing is he. The whole leadership group is out, thus the interest on the captaincy for today

You have to wonder what the point of even having this game is... aren't practice matches supposed to be so your team can some MATCH PRACTICE in? I would say 15-16 or even more of our best 22 are not out going to be out there, what the hell are they doing sidelining so many players? It has been a long time since I've seen such a depleted squad, now I'm glad its not on TV because we will surely get absolutely pumped

In one thread you scoff at the suggestion that Luke Tapscott's failure to thrive is due to a lack of a full pre-season, and now your trumpeting the importance of pre-season match practice!

Make up your mind!

yeh but he's not playing is he. The whole leadership group is out, thus the interest on the captaincy for today

I'm just going by the team listed on the AFL site aren't I, thus my post today geez

Edited March 3, 201312 yr by Davey's gravy

5AA questioning the logic of resting 14 players, "flirting with form" etc

In one thread you scoff at the suggestion that Luke Tapscott's failure to thrive is due to a lack of a full pre-season, and now your trumpeting the importance of pre-season match practice!

Make up your mind!

there is obviously an obvious difference when discussing almost an entire side not fielding vs the playing history of one player OBVIOUSLY by your rationale everybody not playing today has the opportunity to trot out the 'interrupted preseason' excuse later in the season. You're talking about 2 completely different things OBVIOUSLY

Anyone know who is going to be captain?

it will not be any of the leadership Team because none of them are playing!

5AA questioning the logic of resting 14 players, "flirting with form" etc

I was shocked that they mentioned us on 5aa. Yeah we are really flirting with our wonderful pre season form. It is a massive worry.

I was shocked that they mentioned us on 5aa. Yeah we are really flirting with our wonderful pre season form. It is a massive worry.

Haha, me too. Granted it was only to talk about something negative, but it was still a mention.