Geelong a 'strange' favourite for NAB Cup
Wednesday Feb 22 11:00 AEDT
COMMENT
By Julian de Stoop
National Nine News sports reporter
Football is back. Not the real stuff but the AFL's pre-season cup, renamed the NAB Cup this year, kicks off this Friday night when Brisbane hosts Essendon at Carrara and the Bulldogs tackle Melbourne in Darwin.
While early wins are important, by Round 1 the winner of this competition is back on level points with everyone else. Remember Carlton won last year's night competition and then won just four games for the season to collect its second wooden spoon.
Here's a quick guide outlining each of the 16 clubs' chances for the 2006 NAB Cup.
Sydney
Sydney has rarely taken this competition seriously and hasn't won it since 1982 (when it was a mid-season competition). Only four premiership players took the field in the Swans practice match against Essendon last week and although the team will be stronger against the Kangaroos, there will still be several stars, including Michael O'Loughlin, missing. The Swans are unlikely to progress past the first round.
West Coast
The Eagles have had a nightmare build-up to the season. Leading goalkicker Phil Matera has succumbed to injury and retired, promising youngster Beau Waters was hit by a taxi, star midfielder Chad Fletcher broke his collarbone surfing, Michael Gardiner has been banished from the club due to constant discipline problems and Ben Cousins has lost the captaincy after abandoning his car to avoid a booze bus. Add the fact West Coast started training later than most other teams and it's clear they have no hope of winning this competition.
Adelaide
The Crows have a good record in this competition despite only tasting success once (2003). But having gone deep into September they may be a little behind in their preparation. First up is a showdown against Port Adelaide which is one they won't want to lose. Captain Mark Ricciuto and Scott Welsh are unlikely to be seen until Round 1.
St Kilda
The Saints are one of the favourites to win the competition although they won't be desperate to do so. They want to peak in September, not February. Star big man Justin Koschitzke is being eased into the season and won't play but aside from him, the Saints have very few injury problems. Their first up clash against Collingwood will be one to watch.
Geelong
Strangely, the Cats have been installed as favourites for this competition despite coach Mark Thompson saying his side is a bit behind the eight ball given that key players Brad Ottens, Steven King, Steve Johnson and Tom Harley won't play any part. Face a tough task in the first round against a Carlton team which will be desperate to impress. Watch for young ruckmen Mark Blake in the absence of King and Ottens.
Port Adelaide
Many people have written the 2004 premiers off and they will be keen to show from the start they aren't a spent force. Several youngsters will be tried in the NAB Cup as the Power look to build its next generation of stars. Steven Salopek, Troy Chaplin, Danyule Pearce and Michael Pettigrew will all take on greater responsibility this year. Port was humbled by Adelaide in last year's final and will be keen for revenge in their opening round clash. Veteran Gavin Wangeneen won't play any part after injuring his toe at home.
Kangaroos
The Kangaroos always need to get off to a flying start to boost membership and as a result they have a strong record in this competition. Expect a similar showing this year as the Roos put on show their new recruits including Jonathan Hay, Jade Rawlings, Cameron Thurley and Kasey Green. On the downside, veteran Glenn Archer will miss with a hamstring injury.
Melbourne
The Demons are a big chance to win this competition if they can overcome a difficult first up assignment against the Bulldogs in Darwin. The Demons have very few injury problems and are desperate to impress after last year's disappointing finals exit. Watch for Byron Pickett as he steps out for his third club while draftee Nathan Jones has been impressive over the pre-season.
Bulldogs
Like West Coast, the Bulldogs have had a less than ideal preparation losing captain Luke Darcy and young forward Tim Walsh for the season with knee injuries. Like the Roos, early success is important for membership and they will be keen to progress in this competition. Made the semi-finals last year and if they can get past Melbourne, they could go even further in 2006.
Richmond
With a new coach and a host of new players there was an air of excitement at Punt Road this time 12 months ago but this year the Tigers build up has been very low key. Richmond lost in the first round to Collingwood last year and will be hoping to go a bit further this time. Aside from Nathan Brown, the best team should be on the park.
Fremantle
If ever there is a coach under pressure it's Chris Connolly. His talented list needs to produce now otherwise he will be looking for a new job. A first up win against local rivals West Coast would be the perfect start and given all the problems the Eagles are having, the Dockers would have to start favourites. Their cause won't be helped though by the absence of the injured Matthew Pavlich.
Brisbane
Brisbane has never won this competition and has rarely fielded its best side. This year will be no different with key players Jonathan Brown, Nigel Lappin and Justin Leppitsch all injured. Will start favourites against Essendon at Cararra but don't expect the Lions to be there at the end.
Essendon
The Bombers have won six night premierships but in recent years they haven't taken the competition seriously. This year could be different but with James Hird set to be rested and key players Jason Johnson, Dean Solomon, Adam McPhee and Dean Rioli injured, it's hard to see Kevin Sheedy's men making an impact.
Collingwood
For a change, Collingwood has very few injury problems entering the pre-season competition and after losing its last eight matches in 2005, the Pies are desperate for early wins. Anthony Rocca, Josh Fraser, Alan Didak, Chris Tarrant and Nathan Buckley are all fit and available, which will warm the hearts of Magpie fans. Will get a good idea of where they are at with a first up assignment against St Kilda.
Hawthorn
Like Collingwood, Hawthorn is another team which needs early wins and it faces Richmond first up. The Hawks will field a strong team which may include draftees Xavier Ellis and Max Bailey. Second year player Jarryd Roughead is one to watch up forward, he's been kicking plenty of goals in trial matches.
Carlton
It's hard to believe Carlton won this competition 12 months ago as everything the team's done since has been a disappointment. But with a host of new draftees, there is hope at Optus Oval and another strong showing in the night series wouldn't hurt. All eyes will be on number one draft pick Marc Murphy who will make his debut against Geelong.
The funniest thing about this article was that there is a pic of Brad Ottens - wearing Richmond gear. Oops
