Fans had their first taste of real footy action this weekend as the 2008 NAB Cup got underway.
With most teams taking the chance to blood unproven youngsters and rest their seasoned campaigners, the results may not predict success in September. But, having had a chance to run our eye over the teams in a competitive match for the first time this year, there are some nuggets of information we have gleaned from the weekend's action:
The death of the screamer has been exaggerated. Young Tiger Kelvin Moore pulled in a grab for the ages on Friday night. Unfortunately for him, the Saints took home the victory.
Darwin is quite hot. The Bulldogs and the Kangaroos both spent almost as much time in the cool room as on the park during the Dogs' victory.
Premiership hangovers can be overrated. Just ask Melbourne, who copped the full brunt of the Cats' vaunted skill and depth, going down by 71 points.
When it comes to playing in February, few teams are better than Carlton. The Blues continued their fine NAB Cup form of recent years with victory over Port Adelaide.
For Essendon, it's no Sheedy, no worries. The Bombers started the Matthew Knights era with an impressive 27-point win over the Lions.
Hawthorn showed super goals can really pay off. Sydney kicked two more goals than the Hawks in Launceston, but lost, as three of the Hawks' five majors were worth nine points.
Playing older players in the NAB Cup tends to result in wins. Freo went into their match against the Eagles with a near-full-strength squad; the Eagles were missing most of their stars. The result? A Fremantle victory.
Next week's fixture:
NAB Cup:
Friday February 22, 2008
Western Bulldogs v Essendon at Telstra Dome, 7.40pm (Channel Seven) >
Saturday February 23, 2008
St Kilda v Geelong at Manuka Oval, 3.40pm (Fox Sports)
Hawthorn v Carlton at Telstra Dome, 7.10pm (Channel Ten)
Sunday February 24, 2008
Adelaide v Fremantle at AAMI Stadium, 4.40pm (Fox Sports)
NAB Challenge:
Friday February 22, 2008
Kangaroos v Brisbane Lions at MC Labour Park, 4.30pm
Richmond v Melbourne at Cairns, 7.30pm
Saturday February 23
West Coast v Collingwood at Albany, 2pm
Sydney Swans v Port Adelaide at ANZ Stadium, 7pm
