2009 NAB Cup Game Notes - Collingwood Magpies vs Richmond Tigers

The drama was high for this Thursday night specialty, not because it was yet another “blockbuster” NAB clash from the 12 year long preseason. But because it would be Ben Cousins first run since returned clean and hairless from his year long suspension.

Pre-bounce almost all the talk was of Cousins return, leading to the commentators dropping this gem “it will be good for the young players at Richmond to play in front of a big crowd”. Hmmm with official attendance at just 37,121 and T-Dome looking bare for big chunks of the stadium I am not sure who they are trying to kid?

Anyway, to the game:

AFL and Real Footy match report here and here
Match stats at afl.com.au
Fantasy stats at Fan Footy

The Pies were fielding another quality squad as they continued their obvious quest for NAB cup glory, but also managed to sprinkle in youngsters of Brent Macaffer and Dayne Beams. The Tigers meanwhile had the aforementioned Cousins, to go with rookies Alex Rance, Robin Nahas and former Port player Adam Thomson.

Cousin’s return was not reminiscing of the return in 2007 against the Swans. He struggled to get many touches early, wasn’t looking particularly sharp and pulled a Steamin Willy Beamin by puking at half time. He managed to get 21 touches though and still showed he can play the game, and should only get better as the rust wears off and his fitness improves.

The Pies stamped their dominance on the game early kicking away to 4 goals in the first quarter and against showing much more intensity than most teams have in the preseason. After a slow second quarter there was no letup in the second half from the Pies who piled on another 8 goals for a 97-51 drubbing.

This game also saw the first instance of the AFL’s trial rule regarding the deliberate rushed behind, with Richmond’s Jordan McMahon handballing directly across the line in the dying minutes. Talk about easing into this rule for the umpires, late in a blowout, the men in white must be breathing a sigh of relief at this point…but don’t worry there is still plenty of time.

Dream Team Watch:

Ben Cousins ($364k): The main drawcard of the match, both from a Football perspective and a DT one. Ben looked obviously rusty and probably didn’t remove any of the concerns that price tag carries, but he still showed he can get the ball racking up 21 touches (57).

Brett Deledio ($433k): Just a gimme option given he can be a forward; he cruised through this game racking up 25 posies and 6 marks (74).

Andrew Raines ($188k): Another lock for most coaches, Raines preseason success is just cementing everyone’s predictions before the NAB began notching 23 touches (70).

Jack Riewoldt ($257k): Spruiked by many as a money making mid range forward this year, Jack couldn’t get one through the big sticks notching up 3 behinds, but he did prove to be a solid target with 10 touches and 5 marks (49).

Leon Davis ($374k): Revelling in a greater role through the middle, Madge is getting more touches but still an ever presence around the goal, 16 kicks, 4 marks, 5 tackles (85).

Dayne Beams ($86k): A great showing for the rookie, just a question of finding a spot in the loaded Pies line up really, 14 touches and 1 goal (56).