Grinners
Port Adelaide
They should have really knocked off the Blues by more, and only got beaten by the last kick against the Crows.
However, it wasn’t just that they looked very good, but it was the manner of victory. Port had two players get donuts in the Carlton game, and two in the Adelaide game. If they can notch the extra performance out of the lower end, we could possibly see a better Power outfit in 2012.
Sydney
Everyone in sync. Yes, you lost to the reigning premiers, but you also belted a side who was in two Grand Finals in 2010 and is looking for a last-chance hurrah in 2012. And you’re moving into the smokies column with that sort of victory.
Geelong
It’s going to be a quality season of managing the veterans, starting with the NAB Cup. But many of the kids are getting a good chance, and once again Chris Scott will be rotating the youth through with the veterans to guarantee their chances in September.
Adelaide
Most of a strong side out on the park meant Adelaide walked away as one of only three sides after the first round with the double win. Good start.
Aaron Hall
Having been at Metricon on Saturday night, your writer can vouch for him being absolutely sensational. Damaging on every touch.
Moaners
St Kilda
Full-strength squad? And lose by 5 goals in the opening match? To paraphrase a certain elderly Simpsons character, that’s a paddlin’.
Mitch Morton
A good game in an easy win, but a genuine donut in a close loss. Downhill skier is appropriate.
Carlton
What was concerning about the losses, despite the fact that it is the NAB, was the quality of the sides on the park that Carlton lost with. There were certainly 16 or so players in each match who would be looking to be in their best 22 come round 1, and yet they were defeated by sides that finished 16th and 14th in the AFL in 2011.
Richard Tambling
Handed the sub vest twice in the NAB games. Uh oh.
Jonathan Brown
Expecting him to be cited heavily – off the ball, high contact against Jared Rivers. The big man could be looking at a fair whack.
