SANFL coaches have their final word on the opening round

Another SANFL pre-season comes to an end when the opening round kicks off this weekend. The coaches give their final views on their opening round games.

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THE pressure is on the SANFL coaches to have their team firing for what looms as an extremely intriguing season.

Sam Lonergan has replaced successful Michael Godden at Woodville-West Torrens, while Nathan Grima has the tough gig of following in the footsteps of Marty Mattner at Sturt. Both new coaches have an impressive reputation.

Then there is Heath Younie, who has again taken charge of Adelaide which will be looking to get off the bottom of the ladder.

Last season finished with a bang with an incredible finals series and the race for this year’s premiership appears very open.

Every club enters the first round high on optimism, although for the reigning champions North Adelaide there is the added obstacle of a two-game penalty following the 19th man drama in the preliminary final.

So what do the coaches think heading into the opening round?

Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton. Picture SARAH REED

Norwood v Glenelg

Coopers Stadium, Norwood, Friday, 7.20pm

Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton

Q: Are you confident the players have got last year’s grand final totally out of the system?

A: I’m really confident we have done everything we can to prepare for 2019 so we will soon find out.

Glenelg coach Mark Stone

Unavailable.

West Adelaide v Port Adelaide

City Mazda Stadium, Richmond, Friday, 7.20pm

West Adelaide coach Gavin Colville

Q: What role will Chris Schmidt play? What are you expecting from Port Adelaide?

A: Chris will play multiple roles in the backline and midfield. Port look to be moving the ball quicker in the back half of the ground compared to last year. They have plenty of pace in their side so we will need to be mindful of this.

Port Adelaide coach Matthew Lokan

Unavailable.

South Adelaide v Central District

Flinders University Stadium, Noarlunga, Saturday, 1.10pm

South Adelaide coach Jarrad Wright

Q: Is it important for South to make an early statement?

A: I would think any club in round 1 would like a statement to provide a kick start to their season after a long pre-season. Certainly with the position we finished last year, the expectation levels are much higher internally and externally, so the playing group, coaches and club would like to start well.

Central District coach Roy Laird

Q: Playing at Noarlunga is a good challenge first up?

A: It is always tough playing them down there. We are coming off a good pre-season though and there were a lot of positives out of the trials.

Nathan Grima will take charge of his first game as Sturt coach in the clash against Adelaide at Unley Oval on Saturday. Picture: Mark Wilson

Sturt v Adelaide

Peter Motley Oval, Unley, Saturday, 2.10pm

Sturt coach Nathan Grima

Q: This game looms as an exciting clash in the midfield?

A: If you win the midfield battle you go a long way to winning the contest. Adelaide have some top line midfielders with AFL experience and some promising kids coming through. Looking at the weather forecast and playing on a smaller oval playing at home would envisage a high number of stoppages. We are making this a real focus this week with us having an experienced midfield group.

Adelaide coach Heath Younie

Q: Given the side you have named, you will go to Unley Oval with plenty of optimism?

A: “We go into each week with plenty of optimism irrespective of the side we name. We are in a fortunate position that we have a reasonably healthy list and therefore expect a strong performance. We respect Sturt greatly and know they have been one of the most consistent sides over the last few years and look forward to the challenge they present.”

Eagles v North Adelaide

Maughan Thiem Kia Oval, Woodville, Sunday, 1.10pm

Eagles coach Sam Lonergan

Q: Can we expect much change to the Eagles’ style this season?

A: Yes, every coach has different philosophies, values and their own vision of how the game should be played.

North Adelaide coach Josh Carr

Q: Are you confident in your preparation to face an Eagles side expected to be fired up?

A: Definitely confident in the work we have done over the summer. I expect the game to be at a very high temp for round 1. We are always preparing for the opposition’s best. We expect a very good Eagles outfit on Sunday.

Q: How has Jake Neade settled in?

A: Jake has settled in well. He’s a very smart footballer with great AFL experience in big games. The boys enjoy having him in the team with his footy smarts and the way he uses the football. He’s going to be very good for us this year.