Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs

Barry Hall looks set to make his debut in the Blue Collar Bulldogs uniform for at least a half of the game to shake out the cobwebs and getting back in the rhythm of playing footy instead of belting  the opposition.

Barry Hall may not be the typical saviour to many but just maybe he is the missing piece for the Bulldogs in season 2010.

It will be interesting to see as the season goes on, if the Big Unit is the answer to Rodney Eade‘s forward line deficiencies. He will be backed up by a much experienced trio in Jason Akermanis, Nathan Eagleton and Ryan Hargrave.

Former Kangaroo Josh Gibson should get the job on Big Barry, making for an exciting, tough initiation. Shaun Burgoyne, Chance Bateman, Cyril Rioli and Michael Osborne are being rested for the Hawks, who by the looks of it, have the less experienced team on paper.

Western Bulldogs by 24 points

West Coast Eagles v Port Adelaide

The combination of Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui in the ruck for only the third time, must have the fans salivating and their opponents quaking in their boots.  Daniel Kerr is having a rest and may be the smartest thing he does all season as it has been fairly hot in W.A over the past week.

Port Adelaide at Subiaco play the ground like it’s their second home though and have a few new recruits like Cameron Cloke, Jay Nash, and Scott Harding looking to prove that they deserve to be in the starting 22.

The Power will be without the experience of Daniel Motlop (suspension) and vice-captain Dean Brogan and young midfielders Travis Boak who are being rested.

If this was a regular season game Port would be at full strength and a contender to pull of a win but I think they might wilt in the heat and against a young and talented side like the Coasters’.

West Coast by 18 points.

St Kilda v Sydney

Despite some off field distractions the Saints had a highly contested match against Collingwood coming away with a 1 point win. While the Swans managed to kick more goals with their rookie forward line, this week they have added Jesse White & new million dollar man Shane Mumford to the squad.

While the Saints have included Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo, Jason Gram and Steven Baker which gives them an almost complete senior squad.

Previously St Kilda and Sydney games have been a boring affair but with players like Lewis Jetta and Rhys Stanley it will give some pace and hopefully excitement to the game.

Sydney will give a good shot but with the experience players added from last week, it should be a Saints win.

Saints by 8 points

North Melbourne v Fremantle

North Melbourne was the surprise packet last week with an almost flawless defeat against the reigning premiers Geelong. Fremantle also was impressive but lets be realistic it was Melbourne but their forward line looks more dangerous with Matthew Pavlich providing the key target.

Fremantle have a shocking record at the Dome and North just have a shocking recent record, even though its only NAB a win is a win and some success is a must. Freo coach Harvey wants a contract extension and new Roo coach Scott wants to overhaul the ‘struggling shineboner’ spirit.

Both teams have young guns to watch out for both for Dream Team but also for their future. North have Liam Anthony, Ben Warren, Ryan Bastinac & highly talked about newly signed Jack Ziebell. For the Dockers, their new hope is in Anthony Morabito, Nathan Fyfe and the rookies all looking for a senior spot in Alex Silvagni (NOS – Nephew of Silvagni), Clancee Pearce, Jay Van Berlo, Matthew de Boer and Michael Barlow.

At the risk of again getting disappointed by Fremantle I am tipping them to win with Pavlich being the difference.

NAB Challenge Games Week Three

• Collingwood v Adelaide - Friday Night (Traegar Park)
• Carlton v Brisbane Lions – Friday Night (Visy Park)
• Melbourne v Essendon – Saturday (Visy Park)
• Richmond v Geelong Cats – Saturday Night (Yea Recreation Reserve)

Fremantle by 12 points

Your NAB Round 2 Tips & Observations

So what are your tips & observations for the 3rd week of the opening round of the 2010 NAB Cup? Do you agree with Johnytruent? if yes or no please post your tips and observations about the secondg round of the NAB competition in the comments section.

We will include the total correct tips of the Kick2Kick writers & readers for the NAB cup, so include yours and lets see just who knows what they are talking about.

You do not have to give tips for the Challenge Games, we are just including them so you know where every team is playing this weekend.

1. Princess of the Cats: 6
2. the_tony: 5
3. Jermayn: 5
4. Johnytruent: 5
5. Depps: 4

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