There’s nothing like testing yourself against the best, and that’s what we get on Friday night with our practice match against Geelong.
Both teams are expected to play most of their better known players as the premiership season gets closer, which means it will be a great hit-out for the Lions.
We haven’t played particularly well so far in our first two games, but it must be remembered that everything is aimed towards having our best combination in form when Round 1 comes around.
Testing ourselves against the best will help, not only for Round 1, but later in the season.
It’s a lesson that not only applies at our level, but right down through the junior ranks.
If you want to improve your game, watch the best players in the team closely with how they train and how they play the game.
Take it a step further and take them on whenever you do any contesting work at training.
Pick out the opposition’s best player and take him on in some one-on-one contests whenever you get the chance.
I know that if I get the chance to play on Jimmy Bartel or Gary Ablett on Friday night, it will not only be a great personal challenge, but also a learning experience (Jimmy won the Brownlow Medal last year and Gary won most of the media awards).
Our coaching staff helped me build my game in defence by playing me against some very talented goalkicking forwards before my move into the midfield.
Sure it’s not easy and you cop some knocks along the way, but playing against the best will make you a better player in the long run providing you learn from each lesson.
I’m sure I will keep on learning with every game I play. It’s a lesson that should never be forgotten when you are a kid – that you’re never too old to learn something new.
I believe it is only $10 a ticket for an adult and $5 for kids to get into Friday night’s game at Carrara, which is great value, especially considering we are playing the reigning premiers.
See you there.
- Jed
