2008 NAB Cup Round 2 Preview - Game 3
Carlton vs Hawthorn - Saturday Telstra Dome, 7.10pm
Another interesting game is this one. Arch Rivals and a battle to see who has the better young brigade. The young Blues were impressive last week 
but will be without Brad Fisher and Jason Saddington. Ex Lion Richard Hadley looks like he may make an appearance. The Blues will be looking to improve in the stoppages around the ground as Brett Ratten has indicated that is an area they need to improve on. Mark Murphy will be determined to improve on last weeks ordinary start and is a key at these stoppages. Nick Stevens will again captain the Blues as Chris Judd is still a few weeks away. Look for a blinder from him after the disappointment of being overlooked as skipper. Darren Pfeiffer is another one that needs to back up last weeks great performance and will Brendan Fevola turn up in those Orange Boots again?
For the Hawks the youngsters Jarryd Morton, Garry Moss, Beau Muston and Tommy Murphy made a good start last week and will be determined to prove to coach Alistair Clarkson that they are worthy of a position in the side. Hawks fans would have been rapt with Mark Williams return and he 
will only get better with each game he plays. The New Dermie “Buddy” Franklin had a game he would want to forget in front of goal finishing with 5 behinds and an out of bounds on the full (thanks Molly) and will be out to reverse that form, look out whoever plays on him, probably Waite you would think. That should be a good tussle. Another highlight will be the midfield battle. The Blues midfield is developing quite nicely with Stevens, Murphy, Scotland and co going head to head with Mitchell, Hodge, Sewell and the like. That is where the game will be won or lost and also whether big Buddy can be held. Grant Birchall is one player the Blues will have to watch, he was outstanding last week and look set for a big 2008.
The Blues are certainly improving, but I think the Hawks will win the midfield battle and come away with the points.
“A battle to see who has the better young brigade”??? Surely Hawks do…
Hawthorn will actually challenge top four, Carlton will be lucky to get top eight.
Should be a great game. Oh, and Franklin had 5 points and a out-of-bounds on the full.
Molly
Quite Correct Molly he did, thanks
Who do you think will get up?