Pre-match thread: NAB Challenge Game 1 - Port Adelaide v Melbourne

[Deeoldfart 8,061]

I know it's only a practice match with a glorified title, but for me, a NAB Challenge win on the weekend is important. First, it will be a strong indicator that at least some of the key elements that we will all be looking at (game style, ball movement, our recruits and developing players, etc) are coming together as we (and our coaching staff) hope.  Second, it will reinforce the genuine confidence and excitement that has been expressed by our playing group leading into the season proper.  This is especially so because we will go in as underdogs against Port. And finally, a win should give our membership coffers a nice pre-season boost.

[old dee 23,872]

1 minute ago, Deeoldfart said:

I know it's only a practice match with a glorified title, but for me, a NAB Challenge win on the weekend is important. First, it will be a strong indicator that at least some of the key elements that we will all be looking at (game style, ball movement, our recruits and developing players, etc) are coming together as we (and our coaching staff) hope.  Second, it will reinforce the genuine confidence and excitement that has been expressed by our playing group leading into the season proper.  This is especially so because we will go in as underdogs against Port. And finally, a win should give our membership coffers a nice pre-season boost.

You have my vote Deeoldfart

[In Harmes Way 7,823]

Given these NAB games are the first with Goodwin at the helm, they're also important for group confidence in his coaching/leadership going into 2017 

[CBDees 3,167]

Is it scheduled to be televised?

[Redleg 41,434]

1 minute ago, CBDees said:

Is it scheduled to be televised?

Yes 2.00 PM live on Fox Footy.

[tappysquads 618]

Every game, training session, even every contest is a chance to build a winning belief/mindset. Imagine the boys going into round 1 against GWS off 3 wins and actually feeling like a dominant group. im confident for round 1 anyway, but a bit of swagger and confidence would go a long way with the group we will be sending out 

[PaulRB 6,411]

I'm looking to see Maxy's solid pre-season translate into early season dominance in the ruck. As we saw with Mummy at GWS last year, an imposing ruck can set the wheels in motion for the midfield and beyond. Him imposing himself on a Ryderless Port from the outset is critical in creating the midfield confidence and momentum we so badly need...

Only a practice match, but so much needs to click over next month for us to hit GWS in Round 1 full of steam.

[pineapple dee 2,892]

I want to see a couple of things. Firstly i want to see how the greater emphasis on attacking play manifests itself in terms of using the corridor and building up to enter our forward 50. I want to see the players commitment to pressuring the ball carrier. What i especially hope to see is how the team responds when the opposition get on top and how they try to turn the game back our way.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,909]

I really want to see the coaches and players use this opportunity to get rid of all the cliches early. I would be very surprised if I don't hear (or see in writing) the following cliches used:

• we blew away the cobwebs
• we wanted to convert training form into playing form
• we wanted to build match fitness
• it was a useful hit-out
• we wanted to see the new gameplan gel
• "NAB 1", "NAB 2", "NAB 3"

If we can get rid of these cliches early, we might get some sensible comments in later matches.

 

[jumbo returns 6,741]

I'm really, really keen to see a win.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,408]

Obviously we all want to see the kids play but for me if I'm not working I will be heading to pub to watch the game. The two players who need to deliver in a big way are Jack Watts and  Col Garland.

One is out of contract at years end and the other needs to justify the new 3 year contract he was given after a poor showing last year. We've all read the training reports....now it's time. 

I will be also watching Grimes with interest.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,408]

Also hope JKH can impress.

[Fat Tony 5,262]

It would be good to see our new players show they are up to it and no injuries.

[Samael 560]

31 minutes ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

Also hope JKH can impress.

Wont play

 

[loges 6,767]

Since the club has stated we're going in with strong sides a strong showing is expected. Certainly don't need any shockers!

[Cards13 9,117]

Skills, ball movement which flows into game plan and seeing the likes of Kent, Dom T, the new boys, Hunt and Harmes hopefully up and about.

[ILLDieADemon 804]

I am hoping to see the ball move faster from defence to attach and some more goals scored. Though these game mean nothing we have all seen if bottom teams are playing well at this time of year it will roll into the real season. They are practice matches for the top 8 side.

[Gator 17,457]

I'm hoping for many things, but one is no wind.  Some of the other games in these sub standard AFL grounds have been ruined by wind/conditions.

Edited February 24, 2016 by ProDee

[Wormburner 674]

2 hours ago, jumbo returns said:

I'm really, really keen to see a win.

Me too. But please no injuries.

[faultydet 7,619]

3 hours ago, pineapple dee said:

I want to see a couple of things. Firstly i want to see how the greater emphasis on attacking play manifests itself in terms of using the corridor and building up to enter our forward 50. I want to see the players commitment to pressuring the ball carrier. What i especially hope to see is how the team responds when the opposition get on top and how they try to turn the game back our way.

I'm especially looking forward to the other team not getting on top. 

[P-man 13,366]

3 hours ago, Bombay Airconditioning said:

I will be also watching Grimes with interest.

lol..I don't think anyone doubts that for a second, BA.

The burning question is whether you will give him any credit if he plays well.

[P-man 13,366]

I'm hoping we get to see Jetta v Wingard. Always an interesting mini battle. Which Nev usually wins

[Bonkers 994]

Nathan Jones is unlikely to play according to this article.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-02-24/training-collision-leaves-demon-skipper-nathan-jones-an-unlikely-starter

[old dee 23,872]

4 hours ago, jumbo returns said:

I'm really, really keen to see a win.

We beat them two years ago with half the list we have now. I see no reason why we should not win again on Saturday.

Edited February 24, 2016 by old dee

[Devil is in the Detail 883]

7 minutes ago, Bonkers said:

Nathan Jones is unlikely to play according to this article.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-02-24/training-collision-leaves-demon-skipper-nathan-jones-an-unlikely-starter

Nice to see they have the day right in the first paragraph.