Why did 6 out of the 8 2006 finalists lose in the NAB Cup this weekend? The 2 that won played other finalists or didnt play to win regarding positions or team selection eg Saints.

IMO the winners needed to win big time, and threw the kitchen sink at the game: Some examples.....

North were way ahead in fitness and team selection for example. They had to win at Cararra or else.

Likewise the hawks, bringing their A grade team

Sydney never fire until round 5 at least under Roos

Kardinia park was like a usual AFL round, the faithful turned out, and the Cats team was close to their best. The slighest whiff of failure this year and the 'Addy' will crucify them.

What I'm trying to say here is perhaps that the FD have a different view this year from previous. A first round loss in past years was wrist slashing time. I think ND is now a convert of the clock and has an eye on <_< Round 1 and late September, trusting the supporters to get on and stay on from previous years, let the marketing take a back seat in March and concentrate on being ready for the saints.

Why did 6 out of the 8 2006 finalists lose in the NAB Cup this weekend? The 2 that won played other finalists or didnt play to win I think ND is now a convert of the clock and has an eye on <_< Round 1 and late September, trusting the supporters to get on and stay on from previous years, let the marketing take a back seat in March and concentrate on being ready for the saints.

Yes but isn't winning form good form?

It's very dangerous to simply focus on round 1 and say bugger it, "we'll go and lose all pre-season games and round 1 will take care of itself. There has to be a compromise between the two.

I knew we'd lose V the Hawks as they played 2 faredinkum intra club games while we were severely under-prepared.

Hopefully the last 2 weeks of the pre-season series will see all our top shelf return. If they don't we'll be under-done and will subsequently lose to St.Kilda.

Just checked the calender and it is February.

Yes but isn't winning form good form?

It's very dangerous to simply focus on round 1 and say bugger it, "we'll go and lose all pre-season games and round 1 will take care of itself. There has to be a compromise between the two.

I knew we'd lose V the Hawks as they played 2 faredinkum intra club games while we were severely under-prepared.

Hopefully the last 2 weeks of the pre-season series will see all our top shelf return. If they don't we'll be under-done and will subsequently lose to St.Kilda.

Yes, winning form is good form but it's far more pertinent if you have near to your best side on the ground. We didn't, far from it. Clearly winning would have been nice but it was hardly the priority. If we had our premier team on the park and then got done by the Dorks then I'd be very concerned.

Wait and see the result from round 2. I'm getting on asap.