What happened: The club made several community appearances before settling into game preparation. Its weeklong local schedule contrasts with a roughly 24-hour turnaround planned by the designated home side.
Why it matters: Australia's first regular-season NFL game gives the league a showcase before an expected sellout. The longer stay tests whether sustained local engagement can shift support before kickoff.
By the numbers: A 200-person traveling party reached Melbourne after a 15-hour charter flight. More than 2,000 young fans attended a welcome rally.
What to watch: Crowd composition Friday will show whether the local push carries into game day.