FIRST-year coach Mitch Troy is confident a focus on match simulation over the summer will hold Newcomb in good stead heading into the 2023 BFNL season.
The Power was one of the first clubs in practice match action, with a hitout against GDFNL club Belmont Lions at Deakin University last Friday night.
Planned as a six-period contest, it had to be abandoned two-thirds of the way in after the sprinklers came on.
Despite the early conclusion, Troy, who replaced Jye Walker in the off-season, was pleased with what he saw.
“We’ve put a lot of work into having a proper game method and to play to some structure,” he said.
“To get out there and play to that plan was the best thing for me.
“Seeing how blokes set up was really good to watch, and it proves the more match sim we can do, and with more practice matches, we’re going to get better.
“As a coaching panel, we get to see more of the players in match sim than we do kicking to cones and running around kick chasing.”
Traralgon recruit Tom Webster was a standout in a defensive role, while Jarrad Duncan (ex-South Barwon) also looms as a handy addition.
After spending all last season in the reserves, Caleb Law also caught Troy’s eye.
“Jarrad and Caleb really impressed us when they went through the midfield,” he said.
“Hopefully, the boys can continue that form in the two remaining practice matches and take that into Round 1.”
Barring injuries through March, Newcomb, which finished the 2022 season in seventh place with five wins, will have close to a complete list to pick from for their season-opener against Portarlington.
Only Steve Scolaro and Will Farrow, both on the comeback trail from knee surgery, will be unavailable to take on the Demons at this stage.
Twitter: @krockfootball
