The San Francisco 49ers landed in Melbourne on Friday after a long flight from California and spent the weekend acclimating to the city. Players explored the local sights, including a trip to an Australian Football League match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
First practice down under
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the team held its first practice of the week on Monday at AAMI Park, feeling “mostly refreshed” after a day off for the players. “It took a couple of days to adjust, but we’re feeling real good today,” Shanahan noted. He added that the coaches had limited time to see the city, but the players enjoyed the brief outing.
Player impressions
Star running back Christian McCaffrey, who missed the AFL game, reported a positive experience. He praised the team’s training staff for managing jet lag and said the atmosphere in Melbourne has been “cool” and “fun.” “The people are unbelievable, the food’s incredible, the coffee’s great, and the vibe is amazing,” McCaffrey said.
Coach’s changing view
Initially, Shanahan was hesitant about opening the season in Australia instead of a short trip to Los Angeles. After seeing the enthusiasm of 49ers fans expected to travel, his outlook shifted. He likened the experience to having a home game in L.A., noting the advantage of a supportive crowd wherever they play.
Injury update
The coaching staff held off on a full injury report, noting that the Rams will not practice until Thursday in California, giving the 49ers extra time. The only confirmed news was defensive end Sam Okuayinonu’s foot fracture, which landed him on injured reserve and likely sidelines him for most of the season.
Team leadership
San Francisco retained its eight captains from last year: quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, defensive end Nick Bosa, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, offensive tackle Trent Williams, linebacker Fred Warner, and safety Deommodore Lenoir.
The historic matchup on Friday will mark the NFL’s first regular‑season game played in Australia, a milestone for the league and a unique experience for both teams and fans.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
