Port Melbourne will complete the Peter Jackson VFL’s opening round representation in the 2012 Foxtel Cup when they take to the field this Saturday in the Northern Territory. Gary Ayres’ men – smarting from their first home and away season defeat in over 18 months – will take on the NT Thunder for a chance to progress to the quarter final stage of the Foxtel Cup.
Port are the only Victorian team fixtured to travel in round 1 of the knockout competition, with Ayres looking forward to the experience of travelling for this clash.
“It is always good to experience different environments and conditions and we do not do this very often at VFL level and we can if you like showcase the Port Melbourne brand interstate,” Ayres said.
“Some of our players would have never been to Darwin or played in a game that will be televised (nationally) and it is always we think great to be able to participate in the promotion of our great game.”
In what has been a different week for Port Melbourne, Ayres was forced into a different game debrief following their loss to Collingwood last Saturday.
“The debrief was different because it was our first loss for 29 games but we always “identify” what did not work and then go about “rectifying” that and getting things better and looking at ways of implementing them into our training and playing.
The side are quickly looking ahead to this week’s challenge, and selection will take into account the State Game in Tassie to try and not make the load too heavy for some of their star players.
“What we will do is select who is available because of injuries, the players that have been selected in the state Squad will be rested and the mix will be some experience but mainly younger players,” Ayres said.
“We have played 11 games already counting practice matches so our player management has to be right.”
The NT heat and ground size will also have an influence on the final side Port selects.
“Our selections will be a running side because of the temperature and the size of the ground and also what we expect their personnel to be like. They would have to be favourites going into the game because of the above.”
The game will be broadcast live on Foxtel on Saturday at 11am. The winner of this game will take on South Adelaide on June 23.
Last Modified on 17/05/2012 12:32