Pre-Season Insecurities

[Slap]

Hey All,
Just wanted to post some advice to who ever wants to take it.



There have been alot of posts about how a 'gun' player is having a terrible match, or scoring what they think is below par.
While there is nothing wrong with the posts to gather information, (as I am a firm believer that more information is much better than less/none), I just want to stress to DT'ers to not get caught up too much with the NAB form of these said 'gun' players.

Obviously, NAB Cup games are an opportunity for old and new coaches alike to mix game strategies up, try new or improved ideas, and most importantly blood new rookies and see how they adapt to the Pre-Season version of AFL.

This obviously affects the approach in which the teams take on-field, impacting the team's play, DT scores and DT scoring potential.  So when a gun player doesn't score exactly what you think they will, don't stress.  They are DT guns for a reason and when the big stage beckons, they will come through with the goods.  Not to mention, the NAB games are slightly shorter in length.

All you need to do with your guns pre-season is check whether they have had any interruptions with their pre-season and check whether they are moving ok in the field.

Obviously, this is directed at proven premium DT guns (Ablett, Swan, Goodes, Pav, etc.).  I may share my perception on breakthrough candidates and rookies in the future if i have time.  The whole point of this message was not to be suckered into picking the same players as everyone else on here (unless its fairly justified).  There isn't a correct or incorrect way of selecting your DT, so pick with your head and your guts - and then cross your fingers you made some good decisions and risks.

[Slap]

Feel free to add your opinions here - the more information the better!!

[Turkies]

Yeah im not too worried when my guns don't go well in the NAB Cup.

Seeing as this is my first time following the nab cup for DT/SC, can you give us your other opinions on it? So far i've just used it to see how rookies are going and how potential mid-pricers could go.

However i realize players might be playing out of position in the nab cup (e.g getting a run through the mids more than they would in regular season) so i'm not sure if players like Hargrave, Sidebottom, ect, can continue their awesome form into the regular season.

[Big_Cox14]

Well said Slap.

Here's some advice to others:
NAB cup isn't the be all and end all to a premium's fate in being selected in your team. Just make sure they're ready to play rd 1. However, it is a good opportunity to see which rookies are tearing it up and which mid-pricers are ready to take the next step.

Don't be a sheep and select a player just because everyone else says he's the best thing since sliced bread (unless you've seen the player and stats back this up ala Barlow circa 2010). As some other poster has said "you've got to risk it to win the biscuit".

[Slap]

Yeah im not too worried when my guns don't go well in the NAB Cup.

Seeing as this is my first time following the nab cup for DT/SC, can you give us your other opinions on it? So far i've just used it to see how rookies are going and how potential mid-pricers could go.

However i realize players might be playing out of position in the nab cup (e.g getting a run through the mids more than they would in regular season) so i'm not sure if players like Hargrave, Sidebottom, ect, can continue their awesome form into the regular season.

I think you hit the nail on the head.  Re: Mid pricers.  It is a fantastic platform to have a look and see what the coaches have in mind for such players.  That being said, I also agree with you saying that they may play out of position - so be wary.  Generally (and by no means 'always'), rookies in good young teams (eg. Hawthorn) will find it harder to have the job security us DT coaches need to make $$$.  So keep that in mind aswell.