2009 NAB Cup Game Notes – Essendon Bombers vs Brisbane Lions

There are a few teams whose games I just have no interest in. Brisbane is one. Sydney another. Not really a contender. Not really on the rise. Boring style of play. No real rivalries (sure West Coast, but that day is dead). JB killed me in Dream Team last year. My reasons go on. So when you throw them in a pre-season match against the Bombers it isn’t really hair raising stuff.

The end result was a bit of a nail biter. The Lions managed to come back from 18 points down in the last 3 minutes to lose an ugly game by just 2; 67-65.

Check out the match report at the Herald Sun and AFL.com.au
Check out the match stats
Check out the Dream Team Stats

Some quick points you might not get elsewhere:

At some point the Bombers may have to review how they are managing their players physically. In a game where Jason Winderlich, Scott Lucas and Alwyn Davey made long awaited returns from injury, Mark McVeigh went down with an ankle.

The Bombers were missing Welsh, Houli and Lovett-Murray from their regulars, while the Lions rested a bunch of their stars inc JB, Power, Black, Brennan, Charman, Merrett and Johnstone.

Obviously the Lions were without a lot more talent than the Bombers so take this win with a grain of salt. Which brings me to the next point, NAB Cup performances. It is easy to write them off and say they are all meaningless, but if you pay close attention you can see that the Hawks performance doesn’t mean much, Carlton look solid (but not to the extent the Blues supporters would like to think), the Pies again will contend, but only as far as their intensity takes them, Cats are favourites, and the Bombers semi final performance is meaningless.

Daniel Rich was the most highly touted rookie in the match, and once again he failed to live up to the hype most people have placed on him as this seasons Rhyce Palmer. To be fair thought the Lions have been giving the youngster a variety of roles throughout the preseason to try notch up his education as fast as possible. There is no doubting he will feature in their best 22.

Youngster Jack Redden was thrown straight into the fire with a chance to win the game for the Lions at the end. Unfortunately he couldn’t make the 9 pointer.

Dream Team Watch:

Jason Winderlich ($307k): A great return from injury, looked quite sharp and got a lot of action. At this price he could be a great mid-ranger for you if he stays on the field all season – 24 touches, 7 marks, 5 tackles (102).

Hayden Skipworth ($196k): All over the place again, this man will be a lock on DT squads all around the league - 22 touches, 4 tackles (92).

Adam McPhee ($332k): Flying under the radar a tad, McPhee has had a solid showing in preseason when you consider that you don’t lose points for making stupid plays. As long as it hits the boot that is still 3 points. My guess is most people will find other options more appealing though – 19 posies, 7 marks, 6 tackles (94).

David Hille ($381k): To ruck…or not to ruck! That will be one of the biggest question for most DT’ers this year. Do you go all out with the Cox/Hille combo, or try to save pennies. Solid showing from Hille tonight – 15 touches, 19 hit outs, 1 goal.

Courtney Dempsey ($209k): Still teasing everyone, I say lay off him – 14 touches (51).

Bradd Dalziell ($420k): Dazzling again, Bradd might be on a mission to prove all those wrong who scoffed at his $400k+ price to start the year. A ball magnet – 29 posies, 7 marks (104).

Josh Drummond ($304k): Not happy with his running mate Jed getting all the DT attention, Josh had half back on lock all night – 30 posies, 6 marks, 4 tackles (111).

Daniel Rich ($126k): I am sure most people thought they didn’t even have to keep an eye on this bloke…well tonight would have made you a tad uncomfortable if you were planning on starting Richie Rich – just 13 touches (39).