Preview NAB Cup Rd 3 - Collingwood v Brisbane Lions

[lukiuslion]

"THE Brisbane Lions are embracing their biggest match in three seasons against Collingwood on Saturday night, but coach Michael Voss says he'll still take a round one win over a NAB Cup Final."

This was in an article on AFL.com and there was another with the same sentiment that made direct reference to 2009 that I can't seem to find.

I totally agree, so far we have beaten a Gold Coast side, that I'd expect we beat, a Hawthorn side, that didn't appear to be to interested and GWS. Whilst I am very encouraged by our ball movement and the apparent individual improvement of some players I think this Saturday will be a true indicator of any improvement.

Creating a 'winning' culture is also very important - I will be at the game and I will be hoping we can win.

Having said all of that, I don't agree that it is out biggest game since 2009, I think any game worth 4 points hold more weight.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

I fully expect some adverse reaction to this but my preferred outcome is an honourable loss to the Pies. My reason being that, while we have been playing well we are realistically not at the Pies' standard yet and a win would probably serve to over inflate our standing for this year. We have a lot of young players and it is very easy for young players to get ahead of themselves. A hard fought loss would encourage them without letting them get over confident. A win would oblige us to field our strongest side for the final against another strong side, possibly Carlton, and probably in Melbourne so more travel. I'm not sure that is in our best interests at this stage. There are a couple of senior players who will probably be in need of a rest (if not rested this week). I also like us keeping our lower profile leading into the season. We must win at least three of our first 5 games of the season, that is my major concern at the moment.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

Lets face it no one gives a crap about is game in Melbourne, it's only Bris and even at half strength the Pies will win.

Half the side will be rested for the following week and ready for rd 1 ..sorry Bears you don't rate.

Feel free to p..s off!

 

[Jorgo]

Putting up a goo fight

??

 

[POBT]

Lets face it no one gives a crap about is game in Melbourne, it's only Bris and even at half strength the Pies will win.

Half the side will be rested for the following week and ready for rd 1 ..sorry Bears you don't rate.

Cya.

 

[Ironmonger]

I fully expect some adverse reaction to this but my preferred outcome is an honourable loss to the Pies. My reason being that, while we have been playing well we are realistically not at the Pies' standard yet and a win would probably serve to over inflate our standing for this year. We have a lot of young players and it is very easy for young players to get ahead of themselves. A hard fought loss would encourage them without letting them get over confident. A win would oblige us to field our strongest side for the final against another strong side, possibly Carlton, and probably in Melbourne so more travel. I'm not sure that is in our best interests at this stage. There are a couple of senior players who will probably be in need of a rest (if not rested this week). I also like us keeping our lower profile leading into the season. We must win at least three of our first 5 games of the season, that is my major concern at the moment.

I feel similarly, but not because of over-confidence, more because I'd rather we focus on giving players a tune-up in the last round of the NAB Cup than trying to win anything.

Plus I think it's really unlikely the AFL will schedule the NAB Cup final anywhere but Etihad. The only way I can see them putting it at Metricon is if we're the only undefeated team, and I don't think it'll happen. And I can't imagine all this travel helps our preparations.

The counterargument is that a NAB Cup win would be great for memberships and sponsorships. Can't dispute that. From a purely team-focused perspective I reckon we're better off with a competitive loss on Saturday. Really don't want to see us get blown away though, obviously.

 

[Footballator]

Disagree, Always go for the win. We can't control venues travel ect so lets not waste energy on it. The guys have to get used to an overwhelming travel schedule..... may as well kick it off and adjust. Installing a winning culture is paramount in my view. I think a few games were lost over the last year or two because we weren't used to winning often enough. Crack on and keep momentum while expectations and eagerness are up.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

Disagree, Always go for the win. We can't control venues travel ect so lets not waste energy on it. The guys have to get used to an overwhelming travel schedule..... may as well kick it off and adjust. Installing a winning culture is paramount in my view. I think a few games were lost over the last year or two because we weren't used to winning often enough. Crack on and keep momentum while expectations and eagerness are up.

All valid points. I wasn't suggesting we shouldn't "go for the win" as you put it. I was simply saying what my preferred outcome would be an honourable loss (or, as TomFC prefers, a competitive loss) for the reasons I stated. We will put our strongest available side out there, as we should. If we don't we are in real danger of being blown away by a Pies side that is up and running. I do think though that playing a preseason GF, if it happens, while exciting and good for morale, membership etc, will tell against our young side in the end.

 

[Sanchez365]

All valid points. I wasn't suggesting we shouldn't "go for the win" as you put it. I was simply saying what my preferred outcome would be an honourable loss (or, as TomFC prefers, a competitive loss) for the reasons I stated. We will put our strongest available side out there, as we should. If we don't we are in real danger of being blown away by a Pies side that is up and running. I do think though that playing a preseason GF, if it happens, while exciting and good for morale, membership etc, will tell against our young side in the end.

My only problem with this statement is that it implies we will definitely be there in the finals discussion and that is pure optimism. If you consider that we may still be one year off a serious finals push (weather we get into the finals at the end of this year or not), I think the experience of getting into the preseason comp (as well as back to back travelling that would be common in our first few finals appearances you would think) can be nothing but good for our young players long term.

Also, I just really bloody hate collingwood and I won't be looking forward to the tram ride home after the game if we lose!

 

[HPLion]

Not much support for Lisle on the board. I thought he presented well against the Hawks in difficult conditions and against a strong opponent (rough head). Only played half a match IIRC. Looks more mobile than Martin with arguably better foot skills. I think he will play this weekend and I hope he does well. He deserves another chance to push his claims.

 

[chopperduck]

??

Was waiting for someone to run with that... not surprised it's you

 

[Jorgo]

Was waiting for someone to run with that... not surprised it's you

 

[Matt_BL]

Just to clarify this match has 80 interchanges, with 3 on the bench and 3 subs?

 

[iBeng]

Will be interesting to see how Brownie goes.

I hope he pulls up alright, regardless of the results.

 

[Bert Man]

Really pumped for this one. Getting me tickets tonight!!! Hopefully we stick to our structures, win clearances, run hard, spread from the contest and hit our targets. If we can do this no side will stand a chance against the mighty lions.
I really hope someone gives Jamie Elliot a good hit.

 

[Mayestro]

Great review Rubix.

I hope the lads bring their ice vests as there'll be a low of 20C overnight, which may mean it'll be a barmy 26-28C during the game.

I'm a little disappointed not to see Mayes being spruiked in the missives on the Lions website- I was kinda hoping to see him this week. Very excited about playing a preseason game at a quality venue though- not expecting a win, but an honourable loss'll do.

 

[karix]

Surely we're not going to play Mayes. Vossy has already indicated a reticence about playing first year players in senior footy. It's not in their best long interests (development wise)

That said Papa has played 2 games, so anything a possibility.

 

[chopperduck]

Mayes has had a niggle, doubt we would bring him in now when we are trying to settle on our round 1 team.

 

[Happy_Neale]

Any chance Brown will start sub or be subbed off with the less rotations?

 

[weevil]

I'm a little disappointed not to see Mayes being spruiked in the missives on the Lions website- I was kinda hoping to see him this week. Very excited about playing a preseason game at a quality venue though- not expecting a win, but an honourable loss'll do.

Yeah, not looking like he is going to run.

I'm strangely flat about this game. Have really enjoyed the pre-season so far but for some reason not up for this one. May turn around later in the week.

 

[chopperduck]

Any chance Brown will start sub or be subbed off with the less rotations?

It's possible. I think Redden would be maybe in line for a half a game. It will be interesting to see how many talls we name, especially if we go in with Bergs, Longer and Martin. Bergs will play the next 2 games fully, so Longer or Martin would need to be a sub as I doubt we could field all 3.

 

[WhiteLionFeva]

Crisp was involved in the match simulation training today. Might be a chance to play.

 

[jackess]

Crisp was involved in the match simulation training today. Might be a chance to play.

IIRC he tweeted that he was going to play the reserves trial match last weekend. So I'd expect for him to be in the reserves this weekend.

 

[Football Pope]

Lets face it no one gives a crap about is game in Melbourne, it's only Bris and even at half strength the Pies will win.

Half the side will be rested for the following week and ready for rd 1 ..sorry Bears you don't rate.

Explains why the "Carringbush" is a buzz..high on the agenda is a silver lined NAB Cup for the Westpac Centre...Power without Glory

 

[charles202]

I didn't watch the Pies game last week but will be intersted to see how the 80 interchange cap affects their game style. The only reason i sya this is that they seem to have developed their squad based on that high level of interchange players - i think 80 is about half their average intercahnges for a game!