Unofficial Preview Practice Match: North Melbourne v Collingwood, Mars Stadium, Ballarat, Sunday March 1st, 3:10 PM

[Pragmatic Shill]

Interesting to note that besides the confirmed unavailable players, only McCarthy, Howes and Saxena have not been named for either pre-season matches.

 

[LuckyLee]

Wow, we’ve named an extraordinarily weak and experimental side, especially just a week out from our first game.

Most other teams, especially those expecting to play Finals, have this week fielded sides that are very close to what will run out in their first games of the season. Not us - we will be making 6-10 personnel and positional changes in a week’s time against the Saints.

Hard to know what to make of it. It’s certainly not great for the trust and cohesion that high functioning teams can rely on when under intense pressure.

Maybe we’re so worried about injuries that we’re going for the cotton wool option?

 

[sr36]

Our emergencies are resembling a Blue Cross facility

I'm thinking they might have mixed up the emergencies with the hall of fame registration list.

 

[stormskye]

Half agree, but I think we'll get smacked and I won't enjoy that if it happens. Does indicate that we'll be looking to push up our kids this year more than we previously have.

The back 6 is still pretty strong albeit a bit short. I’m def keen to see Josh and beau in the middle as they are named. The forward line will be an interesting watch, not strong on paper

 

[Dead Eye Didak]

Interesting to note that besides the confirmed unavailable players, only McCarthy, Howes and Saxena have not been named for either pre-season matches.

McCarthy and Saxena l understand as they're still very much in the development phase of their bodies and careers.
I'm surprised Howes didn't get a look in against North. I would have liked to have seen him given an opportunity whether that be up forward or in defence...

 

[larrikan]

Game is a must win for Norf for membership numbers and learning how to win. I’m not sure what we are doing for opening round team balance but hey I know nothing. Flys read too many BF threads play the kids!!

 

[granniewolf]

Half agree, but I think we'll get smacked and I won't enjoy that if it happens. Does indicate that we'll be looking to push up our kids this year more than we previously have.

For me, the main thing is that they put up a strong showing and more than a few of the young ones show they are ready.

 

[LuckyLee]

I’m surprised DiMattia gets a game ahead of Anderson.

 

[CheckerTrade666]

Was expecting a team that would be closer to how we would line up against the Saints, but it’s still gonna be exciting to see some of the youngsters play in a proper game!

No Anderson is a shame, but nice to see Swadling, as well as Prindable getting another go.

 

[sr36]

I’m surprised DiMattia gets a game ahead of Anderson.

Yeah, Anderson looks more likely to me. But for anyone not in the seniors the non-negotiable will be system and he might not have it down yet.

 

[Piesinmyeyes]

Was expecting a team that would be closer to how we would line up against the Saints, but it’s still gonna be exciting to see some of the youngsters play in a proper game!

No Anderson is a shame, but nice to see Swadling, as well as Prindable getting another go.

Nice to see Jiath get a run.
He needs to get more exposure.
Hes been in the system a while now, so we need to start seeing growth.

 

[granniewolf]

I’m surprised DiMattia gets a game ahead of Anderson.

I think they have a pretty good idea how Big Angus can play but not so much Harry, so it's another chance for him to show he's up to it.

 

[Seedsfan]

No Nick is strange, so the origin game gonna be his only competitive hitout before OR

Why would he play?

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

The team Fly is going to roll out round zero will look awfully like the team that performed so well against Lions, baring injury and trades in the off season. Second half prelim 2025, CFC 4 G 4 B, BL 11 G 4 B, now that's getting flogged!

Oh look another match review

 

[Jen2310]

Why would he play?

I was under the impression those that played origin would only miss 1 preseason game, hence why DC is playing this game

 

[Seedsfan]

I was under the impression those that played origin would only miss 1 preseason game, hence why DC is playing this game

You don’t run a Ferrari in the mud, we have to remember while we aren’t the only side to play opening round we are going into it off a 7 day break

 

[legendstatus]

Part of me is happy we are not risking stars but the other part of me worries we are way underdone !

 

[No SPIN]

Wow, we’ve named an extraordinarily weak and experimental side, especially just a week out from our first game.

Most other teams, especially those expecting to play Finals, have this week fielded sides that are very close to what will run out in their first games of the season. Not us - we will be making 6-10 personnel and positional changes in a week’s time against the Saints.

Hard to know what to make of it. It’s certainly not great for the trust and cohesion that high functioning teams can rely on when under intense pressure.

Maybe we’re so worried about injuries that we’re going for the cotton wool option?

I don’t think we should be concerned- 6-10 experienced players returning, who have played together for years is not a cohesion/trust threat - it’s exactly the opposite IMO.

 

[10571z]

Why are we playing a practice match 7 days before a real match? Seems beyond moronic.

 

[No SPIN]

Part of me is happy we are not risking stars but the other part of me worries we are way underdone !

I think we learnt from last year that being under prepared for the first game proved costly. I doubt we’ll repeat the same mistake.

 

[10571z]

Wow, we’ve named an extraordinarily weak and experimental side, especially just a week out from our first game.

Most other teams, especially those expecting to play Finals, have this week fielded sides that are very close to what will run out in their first games of the season. Not us - we will be making 6-10 personnel and positional changes in a week’s time against the Saints.

Hard to know what to make of it. It’s certainly not great for the trust and cohesion that high functioning teams can rely on when under intense pressure.

Maybe we’re so worried about injuries that we’re going for the cotton wool option?

We are one of the oldest lists in the AFL. There is absolutely no reason to risk players 7 days out from a massive clash.

 

[stormskye]

I’m fine with the named team. I don’t think one more game is going to affect how well the experienced guys play together next week. They built and know cohesion together.

Keeping them fresh for next week is probably the right call IMO.

Defensively we are still pretty experienced without the injured Howe and Moore.

Also gives us a good look at Josh and beau in the midfield.

Those that want to see Allan, Hayes, Steene, west etc playing more games now is their chance. No excuses to performance.

 

[Piesinmyeyes]

No Crisp.
That means the next 25 in a row then..

 

[JoinDate]

Wow, we’ve named an extraordinarily weak and experimental side, especially just a week out from our first game.

Most other teams, especially those expecting to play Finals, have this week fielded sides that are very close to what will run out in their first games of the season. Not us - we will be making 6-10 personnel and positional changes in a week’s time against the Saints.

Hard to know what to make of it. It’s certainly not great for the trust and cohesion that high functioning teams can rely on when under intense pressure.

Maybe we’re so worried about injuries that we’re going for the cotton wool option?

That does it, I'm off to book my September holidays now then.

 

[PiCkLeJuiCe]

Why are we playing a practice match 7 days before a real match? Seems beyond moronic.

Given concussion protocols, there should be a 2 week break before the community series and opening round.