The biggest news of this round is the fact that Ben Cousins has his first chance in nearly 18 months to pull on a jumper and play competitive Football. Lets hope for everyone concerned he does not do an injury like his last match.
Cousins in a Tigers Jumper will generate so much hype and he will make his much anticipated return
All 8 teams still in the NAB competition have named big players for their quarter finals, so maybe after all some clubs do take this pre season seriously.
Collingwood v Richmond
Richmond have named a fairly strong line up with Cousins, Johnson, Thursfield, McMahon & King coming in and young guns being rested. Collingwood have also a strong line up including adding 3 young guns (Sidebottom, Beams and Barham).
This game has been touted having the most people rock up for a NAB match due to Cousins and from what I have heard from Tiger supporters they are really excited about watching him. I think this game could set up the year for Richmond as the question remains at their young guns and their skills.
Richmond by 10+ points
Essendon v Brisbane Lions
Lucas & Davey has been named to make a return and they will make a huge difference to their forward structure, it will allow a key defender not to line up on Gumbleton as he makes a name for himself. Brisbane has also included some names which will make their side even more competitive with Proud, Bradshaw, Leuenberger & Platfull.
Brisbane do not travel well and Essendon play the Dome very very well so I expect the Dons to win. It will however be a great test to see how fast the new Lions outfit is and see if they’ve changed their game plan from last year.
Essendon by 30 odd points
Port Adelaide v Geelong
Port look dangerous but was last year a real indication on their squad or a blip on the radar? Geelong and Port have a good recent history with tight matches and I think this will be another.
My interest lies in the sides forward lines with Westhoff and Tredrea for Port Power who must fire this season if they want to play finals. The Cats forward line cannot fit Hawkins, Mooney, Gamble & Lonergan so whoever gets to play must make the most of their opportunities.
Geelong by 20 points
Warren Tredrea must fire this season for Port Adelaide to make up for last years rubbish season
Carlton v Hawthorn
This could be exciting with Carlton and Hawthorn both having the most exciting young squads in the AFL and while Hawthorn will still be missing some players, they still will be a tough team to beat as they know how to win.
However Carlton will win due to the fact that they want to win matches and prove that they are a team to reckon with.
Carlton by 30+ points
Regional Challenge Matches
These games are suppose to be played around the country to help spread the game amongst the country people who do not always get to see an AFL standard game.
Guessing the AFL thinks that Visy park (once Princess Park) is the bush or is this an attempt to bring the ground from the dead? Or maybe its an attempt to give the Victorian teams an easier ride with all four non-Victorian teams having to play away from home.
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs at Visy Park
St Kilda have Koschitzke, Hayes and Baker returning to their side. The Dogs simply must continue playing their young Key Position Players (KPP).
St Kilda by 20+ points
Adelaide v West Coast at Traeger Park, Alice Springs
Both Adelaide and West Coast lack an effective forward line, lets hope they find something up in the dust. Kennedy for West Coast out to another injury will hurt them.
Adelaide by 10 points
North Melbourne v Fremantle at Manuka Oval
Fremantle’s new midfield looked good and with Pavlich returning the midfield will look even more exciting and dangerous.
Fremantle by 20+ points
Melbourne v Sydney Swans at Visy Park
Melbourne was amazing against Hawthorn and were unlucky not to win. This will do their confidence no end of good. Sydney will play more kids to give them a taste, while the Dees look at building a team.
Demons by 25 points
Your Tips & Opinions on these Games
Add your tips and thoughts of these games below in the comments section and if your after the new NAB rules, we have them explained for you, please note that all NAB rules will not apply for the Regional Challenge Matches. We also have listed some exciting players to watch for the new season.
For Twitter users, please follow us at Kick2Kick and for any AFL football discussion use #aflfooty.
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February 26th, 2009 at 10:07 am
COLL V RICH
The most interesting match-up of the Summer. I’m expecting this game to be
played at a furious pace and the expectation around the Ben Cousins return
has built this game to a finals like fever. I expect the game to be hard and tough early before both teams lose a bit of steam in the second half. Should be a tight and enthralling contest with the Tigers just getting home.
Tigers by less than a goal.
ESS V BRIS
The return of Scott Lucas should bolster the performance of the Dons who
were impressive against the Dogs. We all knew Rich would be a winner for the Lions and it looks as if they are set to improve this season as well.
I’m thinking this will be another tight contest but the Dons should kick
away late in the match.
Purely becuse it is at the Docklands, Essendon by 20 points
PORT V GEEL
Geelong were super against the Crows and played the game without getting out of first gear. They will tear the Power apart with their selfless gut
running and sublime skills.
Cats by 45 points
CARL V HAW
Carlton were super impressive against the ‘Roos last week and the Hawks were terrible against the Demons. I expect this form to continue with the Blues looking in exquisite knick early and the Hawks not looking to do anything special until the real stuff starts.
Blues by 34 points
DOGS V ST.K
Both teams undermanned, could go either way. Saints by 10 points
ADE V WCE
Should both be looking for youngsters to emerge. Crows by 30 points
NMFC V FREO
North to strong at the contest. Kangas by 16 points
MELB V SYD
We all know about Sydney and this time of year. Demons by 12 points
February 27th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Benny’s comeback looked pleasing
johnnytruents last blog post..d12catalogue-cover1
February 28th, 2009 at 10:32 am
He did indeed look very good. Think Richmond would be happy indeed, except the fact that their poor field and goal kicking will haunt them if they do not correct it.