2009 NAB Cup Game Notes – Brisbane Lions v St Kilda Saints

The sunny (?) Gold Coast saw some NAB Cup action as they do every year, however rather than the Bombers who had been making the trip up lately, it was the Saints who took on the Lions in Round 1 action. The Lions flew out of the box, establishing a big break with their intensity a real hallmark of the game, no doubt a result of the appointment of Michael Voss as coach. They did get the staggers late however, and managed to just hold on 65-56.

For full match overviews, check out the reports from Herald Sun and Real Footy.

Scott Harding – thrown forward by Voss in the search for a small forward, and performed very well. 14 touches, 4 marks, and 3 goals in a low scoring clash. Where the Lions have had problems with the likes of Rhan Hooper, the position is there for Harding’s taking. Hooper had 5 touches and 1 goal.

Brisbane’s tackling and hardness at the ball was a feature of their game. It has been widely reported that they have done a lot of body on body training throughout the preseason, and it is clear that Voss regards this side of the game as vital to imposing themselves on the rest of the competition. It took it’s toll later in the game, and it might be worth keeping this in mind throughout the season – the Lions could be susceptible to being overrun while their fitness base catches up.

Justin Sherman returned to the half forward flanker role in which he burst onto the scene in a couple of years ago and showed some of the form that had him so highly regarded before a couple of interrupted years. At 22, he may be able to get his career back on track this year.

Brendon Goddard spent the whole game in the midfield and is starting to show why he was such a highly rated junior … had 30 touches and kicked 2 goals … had a big year last year and could have an even bigger one this year if he gets more time through the middle of the ground.

Ex-Bulldog Farren Ray lined up on a half back flank and did enough to suggest he has something to offer this season … but nothing more.

Of the Lions youngsters … Highly rated Daniel Rich started the game impressively but faded out as time went on … Bradd Dalziell continued on from where he left off last year with 25 touches … Tom Collier looked good getting involved in a lot of play off half back … James Polkinghorne looked solid and should be able to contribute this season … Aaron Cornelius kicked one goal but didn’t have a great deal of impact … much the same can be said for Mitch Clark from limited time … Lachie Henderson lined up at full back and did a pretty good job … not sure where he will play when Big Sauce Merrett returns however.

Of the Saints youngsters … Jarryn Geary made the most of his opportunity and picked up 25 disposals – whether he sees as much action in the regular season is probably doubtful but he’s put his hand up … Sam Gilbert‘s much talked about journey forward lasted a half, and then he was sent to the backline … Robert Eddy is expected to miss 4 weeks after doing a knee when colliding with an umpire (!) … not much to report on from the rest.

Dream Team Watch:

Goddard (398k) looks a lock for your backline … had 106 tonight and with more opportunity through the midfield he’s pretty much a no brainer.

Sam Fisher (398k) only had 71 but did spend some time forward … I couldn’t imagine this will happen when the season proper kicks off and should once again be a solid keeper for your backline.

Rich (126k) will be in everyone’s team, and he showed enough tonight to make sure he is in yours too … an all-too obvious comparison with last year’s success story Rhys Palmer … don’t expect the same big numbers however, he’s a more damaging player rather than a pure ball magnet.

Speaking of ball magnets, Dalziell (420k) may be expensive but is as pure as they come – 105 tonight and he just continues to rack it up. Still might be worth a look.

Collier (159k) spent a lot of the game linking up off half back and scored 64 … looks like a good cheap option as your 7th defender if he can crack the starting 22.