Just to let you know as we review each game, the Kick2Kick authors are at the moment writing up the previews for the 16 clubs. If you want to help, get in touch with us or just review what we write with your own views.
Western Bulldogs defeated Hawthorn by 57 points
Last week we had Luke Ball and this weekend we had Big “once was bad” Barry Hall who made their debuts however unlike Luke who had minimal impact, Barry made a huge impact to his new team. For so long all the so called experts have been saying “You need a focal point etc etc”, well now they have one and boy did it work.
The Dogs kicked away with 5 first quarter goals and their pressure all over the ground led to the Hawks disposal being very sloppy. Even against only one focal point up forward, the Hawks still looked short even with Josh Gibson helping out.
However I would not let the defeat worry any Hawks fans as they still have regular midfielders missing and they did play 5 rookies.
Cameron Cloke and the other Port imports where handy against the Eagles
Port Adelaide defeated West Coast by 78 points
West Coast rested Priddis & Kerr and Worsfold encouraged his young midfielders to take the game on and try something new. However it did not work as the Port defenders lead by Carlile managed to keep the Eagles forwards ineffective. Shuey showed why the Eagles are excited by him with 20 odd possessions but what is a worrying trend is the Eagles love for over handballing the ball. They had almost 50 more handballs than kicks, that is unacceptable as it just is plain stupid football.
However lets focus on the Power as they where missing Tredrea, Brogan and Boak not to mention the players they got rid of last year yet it somehow has made the playing list better. Power have done a Sydney and have given a few players a second chance in Harding, Cloke and Schulz who showed enough to warrant their selection.
Young guns rookie Cameron Hitchcock (four goals) along with Mitch Banner are sure to make sure that Port will have less trouble to fill seats in the stadium as they play exciting footy.
St Kilda defeated by Swans by 1 point
St Kilda are a well drilled team and its always a good sign when a team can win the close games come the regular season. However lets face it, the 9 point goals did help the Saints get over the line. In close games every mistake is critised just ask Mark Seaby who played well but his good game will be over looked by his play on after a 50m penatly which made the goal a 6 pointer instead of a 9 point goal.
The Swans will be happy to have matched a grand final side from last year and that their recruits are adding to the new look side. Although while coach Roos may be happy I doubt Lyon and the Saints are as some of their work around the stoppages was sloppy and poor at time.
Fremantle defeated North Melbourne by 4 points
Another close game where a goal from Fremantles maligned forward Ryan Murphy helped Fremantle into their second ever semi final and if they win, a first time grand final game. Now that will help coach Harvey get a contract extension, especially with the stat that in the last 10 odd years one of the NAB/ pre season grand finalists usually plays in the seasons proper grand final.
Again in close games, mistakes will be looked at and this case after being 22 points down and kicking the first 3 goals to get back in front, the Roos could have kicked away with goals to Ed Lower and Ben Warren but they missed.
For Fremantle Chris Mayne kicked five goals and rookie Michael Barlow again shined with 27 touches. Its amazing how some players get over looked. Swallow and Harvey again where the best along with first gamer Ryan Bastinac, what will please fans is Hale‘s 3 goals that may be a return to form after a few years struggling.
Regional Challenge Games Wrapup
We all know you cannot read too much into these games but a win is a win especially if your Carlton and Richmond.
Carlton defeated Brisbane by 13 points
Carlton seemed out of the game during the second and third quarters but their maligned forward line managed to somehow kick enough goals to outshine Brisbane lead by Betts and Henderson who showed more in his second match for Carlton. Yes Carltons midfield hosted a much more senior lineup with McLean, Judd and co but Brisbane did have the twin towers and where expected to win.
Jonathon Brown looked a winner, while Fevola struggled but its better he struggles in this regional/ practice match than a game where four points are up for grabs. For Brisbane Todd Banfield, Tom Rocklift and Matt Maguire showed they will push for regular games.
Collingwood defeated Adelaide by 22 points
It was a real winter game with the ground covered in rain which saw people having to use a squidgy to try and get the water off the ground. As reports have said, Adelaide would have been more happy to get through a game without injuries than the actual result.
Adelaide are having bad luck at the moment and they may well be the Hawthorn of 2010 where injuries ruin their race for the premiership before the actual season starts.
Cale Morton was set for a big year along with Melbourne as they looked to get off the bottom of the ladder
Essendon defeated Melbourne by 40 points
Both teams would have been looking for a better showing after disappointing games in the last round both being smashed by the WA teams. I cant help but think giving coach Bailey was a mistake, far to early in the season.
Essendon fans would be happy to see David Hille back from his ACL and Paddy Ryder playing in yet another position up forward this time, kicking 3 goals.
Richmond defeated Geelong by 51 points
Ok, yes Geelong rested even more senior players but being held goaless for two quarters will not make Geelong happy. However like I said before a win is a win and Richmond would be happy.
NAB Semi Final and Regional Challenge Games for week 3
NAB Semi Finals Match ups:
- Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide – Friday Night (Dome)
- St Kilda v Fremantle – Saturday Night (Dome)
Challenge Games:
- Richmond v Collingwood - Friday Night (Visy Park)
- Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats – Friday Night (Southport)
- Hawthorn v North Melbourne – Saturday (North Ballarat)
- West Coast v Carlton – Saturday (Leederville)
- Adelaide v Melbourne – Saturday Evening (Elizabeth)
- Sydney Swans v Essendon - Saturday Night (Blacktown)
NAB Round Two Talking Points
I am sure we all have many issues, point of views and arguments we want to jump on the soapbox and talk about. Well this is your chance…
Please give us your thoughts in the comments section below or add your own talking points. The questions will be asked in bold and my response will be un-bold under them. Your input and comments help us make Kick2Kick a better website, so please express your opinions.
- I am sure people will be asking about why Fremantle and Port have to travel again and its due to prior commitments with the stadiums and towns.
- Personally I think its unfair that both Fremantle and Port have to travel two weeks in a row. Fremantle could have played Friday night and surely not many people would travel over to Adelaide. Think its just an excuse by the AFL!
- Are 9 point goals a good thing or a bad thing? 9 pointers got the Saints into a Semi Final yet they kicked less goals.
- I know it creates excitement but im anti AFL rules change…
- What did you learn this week?
- I learnt that Port Adelaide last week was not a mistake and they could well be back hunting for a top 8 spot. I also learnt that Melbourne still suck and Geelong will have a slow start to the year.
- What team was the most impressive this weekend?
- Im switching between Port Adelaide & the Dogs, I am leaning towards the Dogs as they look so much better, dangerous and even with Barry Hall up forward.
- Was the Friday night game a true representation on how the Dogs will look this year with Barry Hall?
- I think so, they should be top two and anything but a grand final spot will be a failure of a year. Make sure you check our previews of the teams starting off the Dogs this week.
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March 1st, 2010 at 6:13 pm
1. When Port and Freo decided they wanted to play with the big boys, extra travel was part of the deal. No use crying about it now.
2. Agree. get rid of ‘em!
3. Very tough call on the Demons. I think it’s dangerous to read too much into a challenge game. Might help to build some confidence coming into round 1 (Richmond), but that’s about all.
4. Bulldogs.
5. Agree.
6. Umpires seem remarkably keen to get the ball moving. Defenders barely get time to go back from the mark and have a look before the umpires are calling them to move it along. Umpires seem to be mistaking breathing for playing on for advantage! Guess what the Giesch’s target is this year?
7. Princes Park (home of the Blues, formerly Optus Oval and now Visy Park) has become a rotting hulk. In the very expensive (and probably still unpaid for) Legends Stand, 5 years of dust and guano covers the seats. A LOT of work required if this ground were ever again to host matches for Premiership points. Perhaps “Sticks” is hoping FFA’s bid for the FIFA World Cup will come off so Princes Park can be dusted off?
8. It’s going to be a busy night at the Dome next Friday with two games on!
aussierulesblog´s last blog ..It’s radical interpretation time again
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March 2nd, 2010 at 9:24 am
1) I bet if Saints or the Bombers had to travel two weeks in a row to Perth, there would be an outcry among the Victorians but seeing its just Freo and Port, who cares…
3) It may be tough on Melbourne but who will kick their goals? While Robertson was aging, at least he provided a target unlike Watts who cannot even get onto the field and has at least another two years before he can be a proper FF/ CHF.
I see you added your own talking points, that is great and thanks for that.
6) Have the rules changed on how long you have before you have to move the ball on? I thought it was still 20 seconds.
7) Well Skilled Stadium is looking like a potential soccer ground IF the soccer world cup comes to Australia (I very much doubt it will happen though).
8 ) fixed that mistake, thanks for the eyes…
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March 2nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
IF the Saints or Bombers had elected to join a league with ten teams based in Perth, they’d have nothing to complain about. I think the AFL are very generous with fixturing for WA, SA and Brisbane in accommodating their travel. Professional teams in the US go “on the road” for series of games. It’s not that travelling two weeks in a row can’t be done, it simply hasn’t been required much previously. Perhaps in those circumstances the WA and Qld teams may need to look at alternatives like a Victorian base where they can stay between two games.
Hard to make a call on a team you didn’t see, even on TV. As it happens, Petterd played quite well up forward for the Dees. He may not have had a “bag” to brag about, but that may have been as much about opportunity provided by his midfield. AND it was a Challenge game — more about match conditioning, testing and refining game plans, trying players in various positions, and so on. Certainly not a reason to write them off. I’m not suggesting they’ll challenge for the eight, but I think you’re drawing unwarranted conclusions.
aussierulesblog´s last blog ..It’s radical interpretation time again
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March 2nd, 2010 at 11:57 am
I understand Melbourne have a lot of young players etc but even with a team like Hawthorn in their rebuilding years you could see the potential but I don’t with Melbourne….
Yes its a rebuilding team, they had on the weekend 16-18 players with under 50 games experience and only one with over 100 games. Their midfield looks promising along with their defense but their forward line looks weak. I agree Petterd has potential along with Watts, Jurrah etc but who will kick the 50+ goals for the year which is what you need (going on by history) to make a run at the finals.
AussieRulesBlog, please remember its the Australian Football League and not the Victorian Football League anymore. I know you may not like it but it should be as even and as fair as possible…
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March 2nd, 2010 at 6:07 pm
1. Settle boys, it is only pre-season!! Save it for the real stuff…I see merit in what both of you are saying. Fremantle are the big losers in my book, at home half a chance, at etihad…none. Port, I’m tipping they would love giving their young blokes an opportunity to play a top 4 side in Melbourne…will only hold them in good stead should they get near the finals.
2. Supergoals were fun for a while but the novelty has worn off now. St.Kilda through to semi’s – actual pre-season record 0-2. Says it all really.
3.Hawthorn have too many left footers, whilst they are great to watch in full flight most left footers struggle on their opposite side. When a side pressure’s the Hawks like the Dogs did guys like Ladson, Birchall, Ellis and Moss tend to capitulate and put undue pressure on their teammates. When you consider they also have Hodge, Lewis, Buddy, Roughy, Schoenmakers, Kayler-Thomson, Rioli, Young, Guerra and Mitchell(always kicking on his left, why???)I think they are too predictable as to where the football is going to be delivered.
4. Port easily. The Dogs buried Hawthorn in Tassie(didn’t translate to scoreboard) during their premiership year and gave them the mother of all beltings at etihad last year, I expected the Dogs to win and win well. Port however exceeded my expectations considerably. I thought the Eagles would win comfortably but were beaten all over the ground.
5. Yes and No, The Dogs are a sublimely skilled side and will hit most targets, hence their standing as the highest scoring team last season. The test for both the Dogs and BBBH will be getting through the season incident free and reproducing the kind of form displayed on Friday night deep into September. It will not be smooth sailing all the way as some might suggest.
6. I actually don’t mind it…Players deliberately wasting time is one of the most painful things to watch. Cutting 5-10 seconds off might actually create more contests which is what all of us wish to see, yes???
7. Everything Carlton have done in the last 20 years has been a failure. Selfish corporation who are stuck in a time warp, they actually think that they are still relevant and an AFL ‘heavyweight’…laughable.
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March 2nd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Re: Demons
Bartram, Bate, Bennell, Blease, Cheney, Dunn, Fitzpatrick, Frawley, Garland, Grimes, Gysberts, Jetta, Jones, Jurrah, Maric, Morton, Petterd, Scully, Strauss, Sylvia, Trengrove, Tapscott, Watts and Wonaemirri… All under 25, all have varying degrees of talent. If they can keep this ‘core’ together and they can play 60-80 games together then they will be super hard to beat in 3 or 4 years time.
You are right Jerm, their forward line is the biggest concern but their backline and midfield will be so good that it won’t matter.(Think Dogs in ’09) If Watts is as good as many believe he will be then look out…He and Jurrah could be a fearsome 1-2 punch.
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March 2nd, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Just an animated discussion, Deano!!!
Jermayn, if there were 4 teams in each of Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Bris-dney (I know! just work with it for a moment. . .) we could have a ‘fair’-ish competition. But that ain’t where we’re at. The locations of teams are unbalanced, the number of rounds is unbalanced, the sizes of ovals are inconsistent, climates vary considerably. . .and so on. “It’s not fair!!!” is primary school stuff.
6. Deano, there’s wasting time and then there’s umpires over-zealously calling play on. You’d agree, I think, that field kicks from marks and free kicks are possibly more crucial than kicking for goal, at least in the sense that a hurried field kick can easily become a turnover and a score for the opposition. I’m sure, on reflection, that this situation has sprung from the revised advantage interpretation and that the umpires are erring hugely on the conservative side, calling a heartbeat an advantage play-on.
aussierulesblog´s last blog ..FFA not so Skilled?
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March 2nd, 2010 at 7:10 pm
I see hear what you are saying ARB(do you prefer another name???, the full one is too long to write all the time, although less then this considerable rant…) I guess because the Dogs are so good on the rebound I have been a bit blinded as to what has been going on. I will watch more closely this weekend. ( 1am start up here on FRI nite…)
BTW in your pre-season stoush with Jerm I have you in front by a Supergoal…
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March 3rd, 2010 at 8:33 am
ARB is just fine Deano. Gosh, I didn’t know I could kick THAT far!
aussierulesblog´s last blog ..FFA not so Skilled?
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March 3rd, 2010 at 9:15 am
@Deano – Interesting theory on the left footers for the Hawks.
Are you trying to keep the Hall hype under wraps? Had enough false promises?
Another interesting point about Carlton not being a heavy weight anymore. In the 80s it would have been (imo) Hawthorn, Collingwood, Carlton, Richmond & Essendon. Now I reckon it would be West Coast, Collingwood, Essendon, Adelaide and Geelong and maybe Hawthorn…
@ARB – Im guessing you where playing “Pagans Paddock” and the ball bounced in then
You can still have a fair competition minus the uneven rounds numbers and the lopsided teams in Victoria etc. Yes it will be hard but really if the AFL wants to be taken seriously as a national competition outside Australia, they need to make a few hard decisions.
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March 3rd, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Who cares outside Australia?
aussierulesblog´s last blog ..FFA not so Skilled?
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March 3rd, 2010 at 5:39 pm
@ARB – There was a famous little queenslander who captained Australia with those initials…btw I read an interesting article on Houli over the weekend. Do you know how his progress is going?? Seems determined to do the right thing on and off the track. Does his talent match his application???
@Jerm – As you well know I don’t rate Hall as being the key to our success. We had an awesome opportunity to make a GF last year but kicked ourselves out of it. We had more of the footy, laid more tackles, went inside 50 more and had more shots at goal then the Saints. If he can stay injury and suspension free, average one goal and one assist per game I will be a happy man. He could be the cream on a very sweet cake.
The true measure of his impact will hopefully will be felt in 2 or 3 years time. You could see last friday night that a guy like Jarrad Grant has a massive upside, he just has no idea when or where to lead. If Hall can show and teach him and some of his younger counterparts all the tricks of the trade and it clicks with just one of them, then his recruitment will have been well worth it.
Like all gambles, only time will tell whether it will pay off.
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March 3rd, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@ Deano: As it happens, I’m involved in a club sponsorship with Bachar. He was just getting over abdominal strains when he broke his leg last year. It seemed like me might get a chance to start cementing a place in the senior team. He is very focused and a genuinely nice young man (makes me sound so old!) with a delightful sense of humour. I’ll see him in a dew weeks and will get some idea of how he’s travelling then. The official reports say he’s over last year’s injuries. We are hopeful that he can get a decent run at 2010 and make his mark. There’s no doubt he has the raw football talent to succeed. He needs some luck with injury and some luck with competition for a spot in the team. We are cautiously optimistic.
Regarding BBB Barry, the big advantage he provides to the Bulldogs is a ‘get out’ option for the midfielders and he takes the guy who would have taken Brad Johnson — and so on down the list. Plus a little bit of physical presence never hurt. If his head is in the right place, I think he’ll be very good for you.
aussierulesblog´s last blog ..FFA not so Skilled?
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March 4th, 2010 at 10:07 am
@ARB – Is that a Third Party Payment??? Does the AFL know about this??
Which is what I have said for the last two years what the Dogs need
@Deano – So Barry teaching the young guys the tricks off the trade? So they are taking up boxing? When your niggled punch them in the guts or the head etc.
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March 4th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
ha ha, very good…was thinking more along the lines of the 600 goals, 1600 marks and premiership medallion though!!!
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March 4th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
If Grant or another of the young ruckmen you got can do half of that, the dogs will have a good future.
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