MELBOURNE – The San Francisco 49ers are keeping things business as usual in Melbourne, arriving nearly a week ahead of Friday’s historic matchup against the Los Angeles Rams as they prepare to adjust to a new environment and playing surface.
For more than a decade, the 49ers have made it a priority to arrive early when traveling internationally, giving players time to adjust to the time difference, surroundings and playing conditions. The approach is designed to make the unfamiliar feel familiar, allowing the team to prepare much as it would for a regular-season game in the United States.
While there has been speculation surrounding the Rams potentially arriving in Melbourne just two days before Friday’s game, that appears to be the least of San Francisco’s concerns.
The bigger news for the 49ers is the status of former Rams All-Pro linebacker Aaron Donald, who recently came out of retirement. San Francisco can breathe a sigh of relief knowing it will not have to face Donald immediately in Melbourne.
Donald’s absence could be particularly significant for the 49ers, who are scheduled to face the Rams two more times during the regular season. Avoiding one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation in Friday’s international opener gives San Francisco one less challenge to worry about as the team prepares to make NFL history in Australia.
For the 49ers, the message remains simple: arrive early, adapt, prepare and treat Friday’s game like any other regular-season matchup, despite the fact that this one will be played thousands of miles from home at Melbourne’s iconic MCG.
The players have also complimented Melbourne on how well the city has accommodated them and prepared for their arrival nearly a week ahead of the game. I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since many of these players have never played overseas, but they have been pleasantly surprised by the facilities and resources available to them.
From helping players prepare their bodies and manage injuries to providing spas, gyms and a practice field, Melbourne has given the 49ers everything they need to prepare for the game. And it’s not just the facilities. The people have been kind, generous and welcoming throughout their stay.
Accommodating an entire NFL roster and giving a team everything it needs to prepare for a game thousands of miles from home is no easy task, but Melbourne has gotten it right. Kyle Juszczyk and Nick Bosa talked about how Melbourne has helped with their preparation.
The 49ers will have tomorrow off before having a walk-thru at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where they’ll play Friday’s historic game. The team has been practicing at AAMI Park throughout the week, so Thursday will be a lighter day as the players get a final look at the MCG and prepare for the big game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 10:35 a.m. AEST Friday in Melbourne, which means the game will air in the United States at 5:35 p.m. PST on Thursday evening.
