2009 NAB Cup Game Notes – Carlton Blues v North Melbourne Kangaroos

For full match overviews, check out the reports from Herald Sun and Real Footy.
For match stats refer to AFL.com.

The Blues came into this game playing all their stars (Judd, Murphy, Gibbs and Fev) as well as giving their prize rookies a run (Chris Yarren and Mitch Robinson). And they weren’t messing about either; they brought intensity straight out of the Collingwood “I thought it was round 1” play book.

North were on the opposite end of the scale in terms of taking this NAB Cup contest seriously, which was highlighted by the fact that Dean Laidley was letting his youngsters get some game time (Jack Ziebell, Ben Ross).

Carlton just looked much more fired up and a lot sharper skills wise to start the match. It didn’t hurt that the Judd to Fev show was in fine form as Juddy notched up multiple touches and a goal in the first quarter, and big Fev managed 1 goal and a big bang from deep for a super goal to help Carlton take control.

Just to turn the knife once more on the West Coast fans, Judd looked as if he was moving as well as he has since the groin injury in 2007. And even though his role diminished in the second half with Rawlings picking up his tag, there were promising signs.

One of the few highlights for North came early up forward while they were still fighting to stay in the match. Boomer Harvey had just been done for holding the ball and Shaun Grigg was in his ear about it, five seconds later Boomer had smothered the Grigg’s free kick, gathered up the sherran and found a team-mate running into an open goal. This led to Grigg looking like he just shat himself and Boomers mouth guard flapping all around Grigg’s ear.

Fevola was far too good for Gibson, practically having it on a string kicking 6 goals 2 in the contest. At one point Fev even gave one off from 20 out on a reasonable angle, which led to fellow DHF’er SB making the statement “You know things are going well for Carlton when Fev is handing off goals”.

Bryce Gibbs was another impressive Blue (they were everywhere tonight), playing well wide of his opponent Wells and notching up 27 disposals, 11 marks, 5 clearances and 4 tackles. He might not have the flash of Murphy or the strength of Judd, and maybe he doesn’t have that match winning capability yet, but he finds himself in the right spots, runs hard, uses the ball well, rarely loses his composure and can be used as a tagger if need be. In short he is another budding gun on the Blues hands.

In the end it was the Blues moving through with a solid 53 point win (123-70).

Dream Team Watch:

Chris Judd (378k) running well and if he is back to prior form he is a steal at that price. He managed 19 posies tonight, but pulled the plug on things a bit after half time (51).

Bryce Gibbs (387k) sure to be a DT favourite this year, and this performance has done nothing to hurt his status. With Judd and then Murphy most likely to garner most of the attention Gibbs could be free to have plenty more games like tonight (113).

Matthew Kreuzer (241k) a possible cheaper second ruck option, especially if he could make a leap this season. Kreuzer managed just 7 posies and 7 hit outs tonight, but did limp off injured late in the 3 rd quarter (29).

Chris Yarren (130k) one of the most high profile DT rookies this year, unfortunately no one got to see him tonight as he left with a sore ankle in the first quarter with just 1 posie (3).

Mitch Robinson (86k) looked quite good though out the game. Might have been due to the Blues have so much of the ball, and despite this he still may have his work cut out for him getting a start come round 1 of the actual home and away season, but certainly someone to keep an eye on. He had 17 disposals (58).

Jack Ziebell (118k) did some nice things in junk time, but was still quite impressive. As always the question will be whether Laidley puts him on the feild (54).