by On The Chest » Tue Apr 10, 2012 12:05 pm
Only a few days to go until the real stuff starts. There have been a heap of rumours, stories, possibble clearances mentioned on here so it won't be long to see how many of them are true.
The trial games are over. For me, trial games are just that. Can't put any weight on the results from them. There are alwys players missing for a multitude of reasons from weddings, work, summer sport, family commitments, injuries and even protecting older players. They are a good opportunity for the players to have a bit of match practice, give and get a few bumps and tackles, try a few things from preseason and get some run in their legs in match conditions. They also give the coach a chance to have a look at new players and give the young ones a run.
The home trials provide a great opportunity to test out the behind the scenes stuff. Check there is enough bandaging, find the time clock, whistles, score cards and restock the pens. You know the ones that people borrow. Yes borrow and not keep. The along comes one of the players who hasn't been to training and is 10 kg overweight and doesn't fit into last years gurnsey. He still wants his same number he has had for 5 years and demands the club get him a gurnsey that fits with his number on it. "How about you come out to training pal and you might fit into last years gurnsey". Now we have to check the gas for the BBQ, fridge working to keep the beers cold, canteen is cleaned. Oh. Do the showers work. What about soap and toilet paper. Any of that? I reckon the coaching staff have it easier than the committee yet they are getting the $.
After all the gossip, rumours and scandal over the past 5 months, we will find out if the players that can apparently "tear a game apart, "dominate the competition" will actually do that. I believe they call them "GUNS" One of the most overused words during the preseason. Over many years I have heard of them and seen them play. Some have been very good like a well oiled barrel and a polished stock of a 303. Unfortunately, I have seen more of these so called "GUNS" resemble nothing more than a cap gun. At first there is plenty of noise, spark and go off with a bang and as the season progresses, like the excitement of a young kid firing one, there is not much action after that. All fizz.
For me the season looks as if it might be a little more competetive. But as we know, teams look great on paper or the whiteboard but they actually play on an oval. The oval is where the game is won, not on the paper.
Good luck to all the clubs, players, officials and supporters for the season. Hoping there are some close exciting games and not too many injuries.
I'll take a punt on a Kadina/Crows Final, Moonta 3rd and the rest playing to try and have a taste of finals action.