Johnson#26
24 Feb 2006, 22:59
NAB Cup Round One Preview:
*The Sunday matches to come.
It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here. With the first week of the 2006 NAB Cup set to kick off this Friday night, expect to see plenty of new faces, numbers and rule changes as the summer cobwebs are swept aside. Here, Luke Mason looks at the prospects of the 16 teams over the weekend, and explains which team looks best placed to take out the inaugural NAB Cup.
Brisbane vs Essendon:
The Lions vs Bombers clash sees the return of Carrara as a league venue for the first time since 1992. The ground will host four matches for the season – with Melbourne and Adelaide to begin official proceedings in round three on Easter Sunday.
The two sides faced off against each other in the 2001 Grand Final, and have enjoyed some famous battles in the time since. Both teams have gone through something of a cleanout through the off season, with plenty of new faces set to take to the field. At Windy Hill, the much hyped debuts of imports Scott Camporearle and Richard Cole are much anticipated, while prodigal son Chris Heffernan returns after a three season stint at Melbourne.
The Lions are another of many teams who will give youth every opportunity to make a name for themselves. The experienced hands of Voss and Lappin will most likely miss, while the presence of Jonathon Brown will be missed. Watch for the likes of Jed Adcock, Justin Sherman and Anthony Corrie to pick up from where they left off in 2005, while ruckman Cameron Wood will be given every chance to press his claims for a start in round one.
In the wash up, Essendon should prove too strong for a Brisbane side which appears will take time to click into gear. With several players starting the year with a point to prove, the Dons should come home too good for the proud Lions.
Watch for: Newly appointed skipper Matthew Lloyd to stamp himself as a genuine leader. After a disappointing 2005, expect to see the champion full forward hit the ground running.
My tip: Essendon by 15 points.
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne:
The Bullies are one of the form teams of the competition – if 2005 form is anything to go by. After taking the competition by storm in the second half of the season past, it is time for the Bulldogs to stand up and be counted, and there is no better place to start than in the NAB Cup. Pitted against a midstrength Melbourne outfit, it is time for the men from the west to flex their muscle.
The match is a rematch of their epic round 21 bout last year, where a Jeff White inspired Melbourne overran the Bulldogs – who appeared to be coasting towards a finals finish.
In the Marrara heat, the Bulldogs should be too fast through the midfield for the Demons, who appear set on trying a few untried players throughout the pre-season.
It is likely that the Bulldogs will try a few new options in the ruck, with its captain and number one ruckman Luke Darcy set to again miss the duration of the season. Peter Street and Will Minson – who has quickly developed a cult following amongst Bulldogs supporters – will both get an opportunity to stake their claims for the position for the year, while the inexperienced Cameron Wight will be another with a chance to show he has what it takes.
The Demons are without its skipper Neitz and midfield rudder Cameron Bruce, but welcome duel premiership utility Byron Pickett into the line up, as well as giving the much hyped Nathan Jones a chance to show his wears. Jones, 12th selection in the 2005 National Draft, is a readymade onballer with a good turn of pace. Teamed with the likes of McLean and Sylvia, Jones is set to form a reliable part of Melbourne’s midfield future.
Watch for: The Bulldogs to take full advantage of the new kick in laws.
My tip: Western Bulldogs by 33 points.
Kangaroos vs Sydney:
This match tells the tale of two very different preparations. The 2005 premiers – Sydney – have adopted a steady as she goes approach, ensuring that all players will be on deck for round one of the real season. The ever ready Kangaroos, on the other hand, appear once again to attack this competition with a full head of steam. The likelihood of a Kangaroos victory is strong, with the Swans fielding only seven of their 22 players who took to the field in last seasons Grand Final.
Both sides clashed in an exhibition match in mid January, played in Los Angelis. Back then, the story was very similar to the one we look to on Saturday, with Sydney fielding a team which had no resemblance to its best XXII, as the Roos romped to a compressive 86 point victory,
The never say die Kangaroos will blood former Hawk fullback Jonathon Hay and onetime Eagle defender Kasey Green, as well as handing the highly rated Andrew Swallow an opportunity at the elite level.
The Roos have included many members of its best team, signalling their clear intention of sweeping all in their path aside.
Sydney will also blood many an untried rookie, with none of its big name players included in the provisional squad of 28. Essendon export Ted Richards will look to find a permanent role in the senior team, while ex Cat ruckman Paul Chambers will have his sights set on replacing the outgoing Jason Ball.
Watch for: Kangaroo ruckman Hamish McIntosh. A top ten draft choice in 2002, 2006 is a make or break year for a ruckman rated extremely highly by the Arden Street hierarchy.
My tip: Kangaroos by 30 points.
Hawthorn vs Richmond:
The first of Saturday’s doubleheader matches at Telstra Dome between the Tigers and Hawks could well be a glimpse into one of the future rivalries set to heat up in the coming years. Both teams have taken lengthy spells at the foot of the table since bombing out in the 2001 Preliminary Finals, and are now beginning their climb back up into finals contention. The 2004 draft saw both sides slug it out for the best talent the nation had to offer, with both teams making some somewhat controversial calls along the way. However, most have been justified to an extent this far.
Both teams will take a bright outlook in 2006 – with Richmond in particular focusing their sights on a finals berth. The Rising Star Deledio was a revelation last season, while the likes of Newman, Gaspar, Tuck and Pettifer all benefited from a change of coach.
Hawthorn’s goals will be slightly less ambitious than their counterparts, with their plans still a year or two from properly baring fruit. Although they take in a semi experienced line-up in the form of Everitt, Hodge, Vandenberg and Mitchell, the Hawks will still be focused on letting the likes of Lance Franklin and Jarred Roughead settle into key positional posts.
The debut of journeyman Brent Guerra in the Brown and Gold will be of some interest, with the hard-hitting pocket specialist in need of a permanent position to bring out his best.
In the wash-up, the Tigers should just nudge over the line, as it appears they are hell-bent on going as far as they can in this series. They will look to stretch an undersized Hawthorn defence by throwing as many talls up there as possible.
Watch for: Tiger wiz Richard Tambling to turn up the heat at the Dome. Also keep an eye out for the return of diminutive rover David Rodan from a knee injury which wiped out his 2005.
My tip: Richmond by 8 points.
Carlton vs Geelong:
How things can change within the space of 12 months. It was only a year ago that supporters of the Navy Blues were spruiking the dawn of a new era, beginning with their victory over the West Coast in the 2005 Wizard Cup.
A year on, they are back firmly in the doldrums, their immediate future bleak. Geelong, though, have quietly gone about their pre-season work, attempting to erase the last gasp horrors of their dramatic loss against Sydney in last seasons Semi Final. The form of the Ablett boys – Nathan and Gary – has been most encouraging, while the coaching staff have confirmed that South Australian excitement machine Travis Varcoe has what it takes – awarded the much vaunted number five guernsey, becoming the first player to wear it since Gary Ablett Snr donned it in 1996.
Carlton, as it still has a way to go yet, will be focusing on injecting fresh faces into the line up – with number one draft selection Marc Murphy set to take to the field for the first time in a Carlton jumper. The Blues are pleased with his progress this far, while it has been said that Irishman Setanta O’aHailpin is set to show all and sundry why the Blues have been so persistent with him.
That said, Geelong should be too classy and well drilled to slip up against a Carlton team which will focus on getting its mix right for the main season. The Cats will hold an extra dominance through the midfield, where their mixture of speed and grunt should be too much for a youthful Carlton outfit.
Watch for: Nathan Ablett to further stake his claims as a marking forward of the future.
My tip: Geelong by 27 points.
*The Sunday matches to come.
It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here. With the first week of the 2006 NAB Cup set to kick off this Friday night, expect to see plenty of new faces, numbers and rule changes as the summer cobwebs are swept aside. Here, Luke Mason looks at the prospects of the 16 teams over the weekend, and explains which team looks best placed to take out the inaugural NAB Cup.
Brisbane vs Essendon:
The Lions vs Bombers clash sees the return of Carrara as a league venue for the first time since 1992. The ground will host four matches for the season – with Melbourne and Adelaide to begin official proceedings in round three on Easter Sunday.
The two sides faced off against each other in the 2001 Grand Final, and have enjoyed some famous battles in the time since. Both teams have gone through something of a cleanout through the off season, with plenty of new faces set to take to the field. At Windy Hill, the much hyped debuts of imports Scott Camporearle and Richard Cole are much anticipated, while prodigal son Chris Heffernan returns after a three season stint at Melbourne.
The Lions are another of many teams who will give youth every opportunity to make a name for themselves. The experienced hands of Voss and Lappin will most likely miss, while the presence of Jonathon Brown will be missed. Watch for the likes of Jed Adcock, Justin Sherman and Anthony Corrie to pick up from where they left off in 2005, while ruckman Cameron Wood will be given every chance to press his claims for a start in round one.
In the wash up, Essendon should prove too strong for a Brisbane side which appears will take time to click into gear. With several players starting the year with a point to prove, the Dons should come home too good for the proud Lions.
Watch for: Newly appointed skipper Matthew Lloyd to stamp himself as a genuine leader. After a disappointing 2005, expect to see the champion full forward hit the ground running.
My tip: Essendon by 15 points.
Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne:
The Bullies are one of the form teams of the competition – if 2005 form is anything to go by. After taking the competition by storm in the second half of the season past, it is time for the Bulldogs to stand up and be counted, and there is no better place to start than in the NAB Cup. Pitted against a midstrength Melbourne outfit, it is time for the men from the west to flex their muscle.
The match is a rematch of their epic round 21 bout last year, where a Jeff White inspired Melbourne overran the Bulldogs – who appeared to be coasting towards a finals finish.
In the Marrara heat, the Bulldogs should be too fast through the midfield for the Demons, who appear set on trying a few untried players throughout the pre-season.
It is likely that the Bulldogs will try a few new options in the ruck, with its captain and number one ruckman Luke Darcy set to again miss the duration of the season. Peter Street and Will Minson – who has quickly developed a cult following amongst Bulldogs supporters – will both get an opportunity to stake their claims for the position for the year, while the inexperienced Cameron Wight will be another with a chance to show he has what it takes.
The Demons are without its skipper Neitz and midfield rudder Cameron Bruce, but welcome duel premiership utility Byron Pickett into the line up, as well as giving the much hyped Nathan Jones a chance to show his wears. Jones, 12th selection in the 2005 National Draft, is a readymade onballer with a good turn of pace. Teamed with the likes of McLean and Sylvia, Jones is set to form a reliable part of Melbourne’s midfield future.
Watch for: The Bulldogs to take full advantage of the new kick in laws.
My tip: Western Bulldogs by 33 points.
Kangaroos vs Sydney:
This match tells the tale of two very different preparations. The 2005 premiers – Sydney – have adopted a steady as she goes approach, ensuring that all players will be on deck for round one of the real season. The ever ready Kangaroos, on the other hand, appear once again to attack this competition with a full head of steam. The likelihood of a Kangaroos victory is strong, with the Swans fielding only seven of their 22 players who took to the field in last seasons Grand Final.
Both sides clashed in an exhibition match in mid January, played in Los Angelis. Back then, the story was very similar to the one we look to on Saturday, with Sydney fielding a team which had no resemblance to its best XXII, as the Roos romped to a compressive 86 point victory,
The never say die Kangaroos will blood former Hawk fullback Jonathon Hay and onetime Eagle defender Kasey Green, as well as handing the highly rated Andrew Swallow an opportunity at the elite level.
The Roos have included many members of its best team, signalling their clear intention of sweeping all in their path aside.
Sydney will also blood many an untried rookie, with none of its big name players included in the provisional squad of 28. Essendon export Ted Richards will look to find a permanent role in the senior team, while ex Cat ruckman Paul Chambers will have his sights set on replacing the outgoing Jason Ball.
Watch for: Kangaroo ruckman Hamish McIntosh. A top ten draft choice in 2002, 2006 is a make or break year for a ruckman rated extremely highly by the Arden Street hierarchy.
My tip: Kangaroos by 30 points.
Hawthorn vs Richmond:
The first of Saturday’s doubleheader matches at Telstra Dome between the Tigers and Hawks could well be a glimpse into one of the future rivalries set to heat up in the coming years. Both teams have taken lengthy spells at the foot of the table since bombing out in the 2001 Preliminary Finals, and are now beginning their climb back up into finals contention. The 2004 draft saw both sides slug it out for the best talent the nation had to offer, with both teams making some somewhat controversial calls along the way. However, most have been justified to an extent this far.
Both teams will take a bright outlook in 2006 – with Richmond in particular focusing their sights on a finals berth. The Rising Star Deledio was a revelation last season, while the likes of Newman, Gaspar, Tuck and Pettifer all benefited from a change of coach.
Hawthorn’s goals will be slightly less ambitious than their counterparts, with their plans still a year or two from properly baring fruit. Although they take in a semi experienced line-up in the form of Everitt, Hodge, Vandenberg and Mitchell, the Hawks will still be focused on letting the likes of Lance Franklin and Jarred Roughead settle into key positional posts.
The debut of journeyman Brent Guerra in the Brown and Gold will be of some interest, with the hard-hitting pocket specialist in need of a permanent position to bring out his best.
In the wash-up, the Tigers should just nudge over the line, as it appears they are hell-bent on going as far as they can in this series. They will look to stretch an undersized Hawthorn defence by throwing as many talls up there as possible.
Watch for: Tiger wiz Richard Tambling to turn up the heat at the Dome. Also keep an eye out for the return of diminutive rover David Rodan from a knee injury which wiped out his 2005.
My tip: Richmond by 8 points.
Carlton vs Geelong:
How things can change within the space of 12 months. It was only a year ago that supporters of the Navy Blues were spruiking the dawn of a new era, beginning with their victory over the West Coast in the 2005 Wizard Cup.
A year on, they are back firmly in the doldrums, their immediate future bleak. Geelong, though, have quietly gone about their pre-season work, attempting to erase the last gasp horrors of their dramatic loss against Sydney in last seasons Semi Final. The form of the Ablett boys – Nathan and Gary – has been most encouraging, while the coaching staff have confirmed that South Australian excitement machine Travis Varcoe has what it takes – awarded the much vaunted number five guernsey, becoming the first player to wear it since Gary Ablett Snr donned it in 1996.
Carlton, as it still has a way to go yet, will be focusing on injecting fresh faces into the line up – with number one draft selection Marc Murphy set to take to the field for the first time in a Carlton jumper. The Blues are pleased with his progress this far, while it has been said that Irishman Setanta O’aHailpin is set to show all and sundry why the Blues have been so persistent with him.
That said, Geelong should be too classy and well drilled to slip up against a Carlton team which will focus on getting its mix right for the main season. The Cats will hold an extra dominance through the midfield, where their mixture of speed and grunt should be too much for a youthful Carlton outfit.
Watch for: Nathan Ablett to further stake his claims as a marking forward of the future.
My tip: Geelong by 27 points.