Re: NAB Challenge: Carlton vs. Sydney at Etihad
Reply #240 –
People read too much into the pre-season.
Defenders have nothing to gain, mids have everything to lose, and forwards should display hunger at all times.
I never known a forward worth half a piece of dog crape to give up the opportunity for a cheap goal, most serious achievers would walk over their dying grandmother for a shot at goal. If you see a forward taking short steps in pre-season trade them on, they will always let you down. Their hunger is always the next shot!
Defenders live on desperation, but there is nothing to be desperate about in the NAB Cup. Watch out for the guys who get there and stop at 90%, they have already done the hard work, they know what needs to come next. Avoid the guys who look lost or who bust a gut and lose!
Mids need to tune up their skills and systems, but they risk the same collision injuries in pre-season that they are likely to get in the big dance. Smart mids manage their way through pre-season, they win or draw contests without putting it all on the line. The guys that lose contest after contest are losers, but don't confuse drawing with losing.