AFL 2008 NAB Cup Semi Final Review

March 3, 2008 | Filed Under AFL News

Essendon vs St Kilda

Well Friday night saw what was probably the best standard of football so far in the NAB Cup as St Kilda snatched a 3 point victory over a gallant Essendon side. A last minute free kick to Saints youngster David Armitage in front of goal gave the Saints victory. Armitage was outstanding I thought for the Saints and has really put his hand up for Round 1 for the Saints. He was likened to a young Luke Ball by commentators on Friday Night and looks to be a star in the making. Another youngster that impressed was Clinton Jones, not sure if it his blond hair that makes him stand out but he was magnificent for the Saints through the middle of the ground. These 2 youngsters are quality players and should fit in nicely into the midfield. The Saints work in front of the packs, especially in the forward half was great they continually got front and center and smashed the Bombers in that area. As they did at stoppages and it was largely due to big man Steven King who dominated the Ruck. The fact that the Bombers were without Dyson and Houli didn’t help them. The Saints are hell bent on using the corridor at all times and protected that area well forcing Essendon wide a lot of the time. Adam Schneider showed some good signs in his first game and proved that he will be a valuable inclusion in 2008. Reiwoldt also made his return and did show glimpses of his brilliance and as he said was planned, he only played the first 3 quarters before icing up. They looked good the Saints and given the fact they were also missing a few automatic inclusions look set to be a force this year.

For the Bombers the have certainly showed some great signs and have given themselves a great platform to kick the year off with. The Saints were good at trying to stop the Bombers run and handball game plan and forced the Bombers to find different avenues to goal which they did quite well. Jay Neagle was fantastic up forward with 4 goals and if he can just get a bit fitter could be a impact player along side Lloyd and Lucas. Dempsey showed great speed a agility coming out of defence as is an exciting prospect for Bomber fans. Brent Stanton made an impressive return in the Number 5 jumper and will no doubt lead the midfield. Alwyn Davey showed that he could rotate through the middle and was brilliant in the last quarter. Jay Nash is aslo another youngster that showed a bit and was great across half back. There is a lot for Bomber fans to look forward to this year and with McPhee, Lloyd and Fletcher to come back in the Bomber might just challenge for a finals berth.

Adelaide vs Hawthorn

In the other Semi at AAMI Stadium the Crows secured a home final, defeating the Haws by 23 points. This again was an exciting encounter and capped off a good weekend of footy. My man James Porplyzia was again outstanding for the Crows and has had a ripping start to 2008 (I may just have a wager on the brownlow). Scott Thomspon was simply brilliant in the first half for the Crows and is a real quality on baller. The Bird Man was on fire for the Crows booting 2 goals in the 3rd term and showed us his customary leap taking a screamer over Zac Dawson. Mcleod was quieter than he has been in the last 2 weeks but still did some good things and Tyson Edwards started to get a bit more of the ball which is a good sign.

For the Hawks Hairy Chested Luke Hodge was outstanding for the Hawks, I love the way this guy plays and is a player you would pay money to see. Sam Mitchell was again at his best with some great extractions from the stoppages. A player that I highlighted as one to watch was Cyril Rioli and boy he did not disappoint. He is going to be one to watch this year and he has freakish skills and what would have been very pleasing for the Hawks coaching staff is that he kicked a couple of goals as well. Buddy Franklin was almost unsighted in the first 3 quarters as Ben Rutten had him covered but Big Bad Buddy saved his best to last and almost pinched the game from the Crows with 3 last quarter goals. In some bad news for the Hawks young gun Beau Muston looked to have seriously injured his knee in the first quarter and we will need to wait on scan to see how bad it is. Very disappointing for Muston who had started the year so brilliantly.

The Crows now will host the Grand Final next weekend against the Saints in what should be a fantastic contest as both teams will certainly use the game as a full dress rehearsal for the real stuff. The standard of footy definately lifted this week and the bar should again be raised in the GF.

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photo’s by Darrian Traynor and acrobat73