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The AFL’s NAB Cup pre-season competition has begun. While not always an indication of success in the upcoming season, there are some positive signs for the new kid on the block – the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
Collingwood, and to a lesser extent Western Bulldogs, fielded relatively inexperienced teams but GWS showed plenty of competitive spirit to take it up to the bigger and stronger sides.
GWS lost both of its games; however the combined margin was a mere 8 points (5 points to the Bulldogs and 3 points to the Magpies).
The NAB Cup gives observers the chance to see how young lads will fare against seasoned AFL footballers and to gain an insight into how your team will structure and set up for the season ahead.
Saturday’s fixtures gave a small insight as to how GWS will play under legendary coach Kevin Sheedy, who famously coached a young Essendon side (colloquially known as the Baby Bombers) to a Premiership in 1993.
I’m not saying GWS will go a similar way this season – in fact I don’t believe they can win more than four games – but under Sheedy and former Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams they should be at least competitive in a few games.
Building a strong team that is well attended in a non-AFL city will be difficult.
GWS won’t be able to achieve the kind of popularity enjoyed by cross-town rivals the Sydney Swans for at least ten years. However, with a large population, Western Sydney will be able to sustain a professional AFL team that prides itself on being a community club.
Like I said, NAB Cup games aren’t of significant importance, however GWS’ effort and willingness to contest the hard ball has already received praise from commentators and spectators alike and should please many footy followers.
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