2009 NAB Cup Game Notes – Hawthorn Hawks v Melbourne Demons

On paper – it couldn’t be any more of a mismatch – last year’s premiers at their second home in Launceston, ready to give last year’s cellar dwellars another pantsing.

But this isn’t real football. It’s NAB Cup. So no one was any more than a little surprised when the Dees skipped 5 goals clear against an undermanned Hawks outfit. Then again – who was surprised that the young Demons blew it and the man with the Rough Head bobbed up to steal the game from under their noses. Hawthorn snared a 69-66 win and moved into the next round, while the Demons return to the track where they must feel like they’ve been running since late 2002.

A spectacle? Definitely not. But as far as having a look at the youngsters from both sides, the match was actually pretty intriguing. Let’s pick up on the stuff others may have missed…

For full match overviews, check out the reports from Herald Sun and AFL.com.au. Get your stats from AFL.com.au and your AFL Dream Team scores at FanFooty.

The star was undoubtedly Jarryd Roughead. Without his partner in crime Buddy, Roughie was the man, and he stepped up when it counted. He dobbed 5 including the winner – but more importantly he continues to stand out as a star in his own right – not just in Franklin’s shadow. He looks set for his best season yet – which is a sobering thought for the other 15 clubs.

Youngster Travis Tuck had a frustrating season last year, and has started out on the right foot to grab a spot in the starting 22 this year. He had 23 touches, and to steal an overused cliche – he is one that doesn’t take a backward step. With the injury woes around Hawthorn early in the year, the door is open for Tuck to get his season rolling early and stake a claim for a spot when all the big guns return during the season.

Speaking of injuries, the Hawks left this contest with a couple – Michael Osborne left the game in the 1st quarter with a knee injury and was later seen hiking himself around on crutches, and Chance Bateman left the contest in the 2nd quarter with a rolled ankle.

Plenty of Hawk youngsters to take a look at … Cam Stokes had some action last year, and appreciated his chance in this game to roam around to kick a couple of goals from 13 touches … first round pick Ryan Schoenmakers didn’t see a huge amount of action, but his tackling impressed for a taller lad and he showed quite a deal of talent … Matt Suckling and Garry Moss are 2 players that only the most diehard Hawk fan would have heard of, but both found the ball, and Suckling in particular did a lot of nice things … 2 of the bigger spruiks Mitch Thorp (at full back) and Beau Dowler didn’t quite set the world on fire but they’ll be given further opportunities in the lead up to round 1 … 2 youngsters who have seen action before but are in danger of being overtaken by the new blood – Ben McGlynn and Jarryd Morton – both had disappointing performances and could prob do with a bit of a razz up or they’ll be left behind.

Enigmatic Demon Brad Green again showed what he’s capable of when not matched up on against the best – he dominated at times with 18 touches, 9 marks and a goal … the knock on Green is he can go missing when his team needs him most – if the Demons are to improve at all this year, then Green is one man who has to take them on his shoulders and say ‘Let’s ride’.

Demon fans have had their hopes pinned on a few youngsters in recent years, and this is the year they have to stand up as leaders – they can’t be youngsters forever. Two at the head of this list are Matthew Bate and Brock McLean – and in good news for Dees fans they both showed the form we all know they are capable of.

On the contrary – Nathan Jones and Colin Sylvia were rather quiet. These couple need to take the step up this season – their careers are not quite at the crossroads, but it’s time to repay the club on the field.

Lot of Demon youngsters to keep an eye on … James Frawley was very good on Mark Williams, negating his influence while running off to have plenty of impact himself … Jack Grimes started to find his feet in the second half and showed enough … Big Jake Spencer was quite a find in the ruck until he wore a knee to his cheek in the last term – very raw but quite a bit to work with there … Kyle Cheney created a bit of an impression off a half back flank – keep an eye on this one.

Dream Team Watch:

Jarryd Roughead (352k) – He’s not the bargain he was last year, but as he continues to improve he’s capable of some huge games. Lots of rumours around that he will be swung to Centre Half Back at times – this would only increase his production. Well worth a look. (75)

Travis Tuck (276k) – Should cement his place in the 22 early in the season and has shown he can get a lot of the ball. JP is super keen on this lad – if he’s in the Hawks 22, he’s a top value pick for your midfield. (74)

Jack Grimes (186k) – Big wrap on this kid in DT land – he looks one of the better cheap picks for your backline. Showed in the second half what he is capable of, but like all youngsters, it pays to keep an eye on how much game time he is going to see. We’re tipping it’s a lot more than he got last year. (59)

Jake Spencer (75k) – Looking for a cheap ruckman (let’s face it who isn’t?) – this could be your man. Granted one game does not make him a sure thing to see action, but this is one cheap rookie who you want to keep a close eye on – as a fourth ruckman this guy could prove to be gold if he sneaks his way into a pitiful Demon ruck rotation. (44)