2009 NAB Cup Game Notes – West Coast Eagles v Collingwood Magpies

The NAB Cup kicked off over in the West as the Eagles sent the young blood out to take on a near full strength Pies outfit missing only Pebbles Rocca and Medhurst from their best 22. As you could probably have guessed, the Pies started their 2009 campaign in excellent fashion, recording a 116-54 victory.

The Pies midfield was in scintillating touch – Swan, Pendlebury, Neon Leon and Lockyer all having big impacts on the game … maybe flattered somewhat by their opposition – a bunch of kids thrown in at the deep end.

Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr were given very light preparations – both started as substitutes, but had to come on earlier than the Eagles would have liked with 2 early injuries. Cox in particular spent much of the game on the bench while Kerr got amongst the action through the second half.

No one likes to see injuries, and the Eagles wore a couple to youngsters what will set them back for the season proper. Patrick McGinnity suffered a broken jaw when Nick ‘Bruiser’ Maxwell left his stamp on the game – and Paddy’s face – with a bone-crunching shepherd in the 2nd quarter. McGinnity looks set to miss 8-10 weeks, while Maxwell lost his challenge at the tribunal and will miss 4 games – at least the season opener. The issue at the tribunal has much more important ramifications that I can cover here but we will look at it following Maxwell’s expected appeal.

Eric Mackenzie, the young Eagles defender, dislocated his right shoulder in the first term and should be looking at a lengthy spell on the sidelines himself.

Collingwood move into Round 2 and look very similar to last year – whether that is good enough remains to be seen. For the Eagles – they were missing a lot of senior players, but there were few bright lights to take from their first hitout of the year. Worsfold has talked up finals – right now they’re a long way off.

Dream Team Watch:

Chris Masten ($306k) showed why the Eagles took him with the number 3 pick last year. Has bulked up considerably over the off season – which he needed to – and will rack up the points playing in the packs with disposals and good tackling. Still the niggling OP doubts on him however but showed no signs of it in this game.

Tarkyn Lockyer ($360k) is reasonably priced after a below average season for him last year, and showed what he is capable running through the middle with a big 149 score. Granted things were as easy as he’ll get it all year, but looks worth a punt in your backline.

Leon Davis ($374k) could be a great value pick this year if he continues to play predominantly through the midfield. He had a 95, but more importantly spent a lot of time in the guts which you will want to see if you find a spot for him in 09 – if so, be sure to take him as a forward and not a midfielder.

Tom Swift ($86k) is much hyped after playing one of the greatest U16 carnivals ever seen 2 years ago, but he also showed that he might be the real deal playing against the men this season. Has to be a risk with his knee troubles in the past but chalked up 51 in his first hitout and if he can snag a place in the 22 he is a no brainer rookie selection.

Everyone has their eye on two low priced Eagle defenders – Mark Nicoski ($263k) is much maligned, but his price keeps sucking you in to look at him. Had 28 disposals and 82 points but turned the ball over regularly. He’s very risky, but at his price the reward can be high. Shannon Hurn ($197k) started well but faded to finish with 45. Time will tell if it’s bravery or stupidity with these two.