The West Coast and Collingwood game was the first chance to see these new rules in action. I was very disillusioned with the new rules, especially the rushed behind rule but I stand corrected. It was kinder exciting to see the defenders actually having to think and take on the forwards to get the ball out of there.There where a few rushed behinds where the defenders punched the ball over in a marking contest, I was pleased that the Umpires left this alone.

I also liked how the  ball carrier was allowed more freedom. One example was towards the end of the game where Daniel Kerr was dumped in the back half but with the new rule, he was given a free kick and a 50m penetly and was able to kick a goal 55m out.

Maxwell flexed his muscles against a very young Eagles side, his hit on McGinnity will come under some scrutiny after his jaw was broken.

Collingwood defeated West Coast by 62 points

It was always going to be a walk over with the Eagles resting 9 of their best 22 line up from the game and Collingwood playing a Rocca missing best line up. Collingwood was allowed to play a fast free flowing game and the next stars of Collingwood shone with Maxwell leading from the front (I was one who under estimated him) along with Lockyer (3 goals, 31 possessions), Johnson (2 goals), Didak (30 touches and  a goal) and Pendlebury (31 touches). Cloke kicked 4 but was well held for 3 quarters.

The Eagles had their moments and I think the games of Nicoski, Cockie, Swift, Spangear and Masten showed they have something and will play a few more games this year. They really struggled however down forward with Lynch and McKinley too one dimensional.

Collingwood now play the winner of Richmond and Fremantle in Melbourne while West Coast play the looser of Adelaide and Geelong in Alice Springs for the fourth year in a row.

All Stars defeated Adelaide by 54 points

My biggest worry about this game was how would the All Stars kick enough goals with Franklin and other key position Aboriginal players missing. However again I was prooved wrong with them doubling Adelaides score. Varcoe stepped up and provided a real target and I am sure they will really exict Geelong as Varcoe and other Cats Forwards are under some preasure to perform this year.

What gets me is why Davis did not play but rather played for Collingwood while Wirrapanda was listed to play?

While Neil Craig said he was not really worried, surely you would be as they have had 3-4 months to get a new game plan while the All Stars had one week.

Part one NAB Round 1 Talking Points

Introducing a new facet on our weekly game wrap ups is where the team at Kick2Kick highlight a few talking points and you the reader give us your views or you add your own talking point.

1. Will Nick Maxwell and Setanta O’hAilpin get suspended? And if so, for how long?
2. Should have Davis played for the All Stars?
3. What do you think of the 3 week window for the first round of NAB games?
4. Is it going to be a long season for West Coast and Adelaide?
5. Will the Injures to Carlton & Essendon hurt them in making the finals?
6. What about Domenic Cassisi the new captain of Port Adelaide?

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