It’s February yet again, and while the A-League and the cricket seasons continue, the AFL NAB Challenge begins. In a period of an Australian-hosted Cricket World Cup, how many people actually care about the NAB Challenge?
Collingwood and Hawthorn will kick things off on Thursday with games being played periodically until March 22. With most games being held at boutique venues such as Whitten Oval or Morwell, it makes it hard for followers to expect their teams to take it seriously.
Coaches pick their rookies and young players, giving them game time in these practice matches so they can gain vital experience that most won’t get when Round 1 starts. As a fan there is nothing better than watching a first year player catch your eye during a NAB Challenge game, willing them to be selected throughout the season.
For someone that lives in Melbourne, I won’t be venturing out to venues such as Shepparton or Morwell, however those close to these country towns will be able to see their stars that they very rarely get to see up close. This is a great initiative, however we know that sides won’t be at full strength, stars such as Nat Fyfe and Marc Murphy won’t be available for most of the NAB Challenge.
Another reason for the NAB Challenge is to cater for those fantasy nuffies. A chance to stake out those valuable rookies than can separate you from the top of the league or not making the top eight. Players such as Dillon Viojo Rainbow or Jesse Hogan are important for fantasy players out there. Without the NAB Challenge, we wouldn’t be able to separate one rookie from the other, so expect plenty of people to show a keen interest in the stats from the first few rounds.
However, how do the players get motivated to play these games? With no finals or ladder, in reality there is nothing to play for. But the NAB challenge will give coaches vital feedback from clubs testing their game plans, and youngsters will have a chance to perform and push their case for selection. Following on from a heavy pre-season, most clubs will be able to finally put a team on paper and play against opposition other than themselves.
The pre-season cup causes about as much conversation as who should be the current prime minister. Every footy fan has a different opinion. Calls to bring back State of Origin, make it a knockout format, or to not bother at all are just some responses by footy fans.
In 2015, with the Cricket World Cup full steam ahead, it will be hard for the AFL to justify the use of the NAB Challenge, however the pre-season comp is here to stay. Coaches and players can gain something out of the four-week competition that they can’t get at training.
As I’ve outlined, the NAB Challenge can be good for numerous reasons and we all have differing opinions on it, but no matter who you talk to, there is always one person that mentions the two words the AFL don’t want to hear – who cares.
Lee
Guest
I think that it's great that we're not compelled to care about results as we were with the knockout tournament of old. Just want practice matches ahead of the new season, and it is fantastic to see packed smaller regional and suburban grounds hosting matches, (probably still delivering a superior fan experience than Docklands despite there being no result to play for!).
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
A decent hit-out in the pre-season is needed and the NAB Challenge helps fit this need by providing a notion of competitive impetus. In the grand scheme of things nothing really matters until Round 1.
Matt Balmer
Roar Rookie
Personally W4str3I , I care about the NAB Challege. I'll be following my Tiges heavily, however the focus won't be on results but more just a chance to see the youngsters. Teams won't really take things serious until late March, and that will probably be my attitude as well. Last nights result sums up the competition, there is no way the Hawks will lose a game in 2015 by 10 goals.
Don Freo
Guest
I care. Don't care much about the results...although Hawthorn losing is the conclusive proof Andyl12 wanted me to give him to prove they will slip out of the eight this year. Results mean nothing unless the team whose supporters you enjoy baiting loses or if your team wins. At these times results are significant. I love it because footy is being played again and anticipation of a Purple World is in every dawn.
W4str3l
Roar Rookie
matt, what is your actual stance on this topic? on the one hand you rightly point out things such as exposure for younger players, testing out game plans and bringing the game to the bush. on the other hand you seem to be bemoaning the fact that its a mickey mouse tournament of little significance. who cares? "But the NAB challenge will give coaches vital feedback from clubs testing their game plans, and youngsters will have a chance to perform and push their case for selection." well i guess they do
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
It's to give the rookies their first taste of AFL, I'm at least glad we get to see these 'trial games' of sorts on the telly. Gives a good indicator as to which kids might be worth watching throughout the year and who could possibly be ready for a breakout year. So yes I do care about the NAB Challenge, particularly because my team the Saints will be trying to blood plenty of kids this year. While I would much rather an All Stars series it's simply not going to happen, I'm just glad footy is back. :)
Vocans
Guest
The NAB is for rusted on fanatics and for real aficionados of the game. It may be finally finding it's true place in the game. Of course, it's also about Foxtel and Rupert Murdoch. I'm glad it goes to the regions as well. I bet they're in heaven in Pt Lincoln!