2008 AFL NAB Cup Semi Final Game 2
Hawthorn vs Adelaide
Adelaide have been going along quite nicely and look to be ahead of most in their preparations for the 2008 AFL Season. Neil Craig looks to have changed his game style and they are now playing a free flowing style of game which is certainly a lot better to watch. The new look Adelaide midfield also looks good and with my man James Porplyzia relishing the opportunity of spending some more time in the middle and racking up the touches. Simon Goodwin and Andrew McLeod are comfortable down forward and as we saw last week McLeod is simply brilliant in creating opportunities in the forward 50. The word out of Adelaide is that they will be more intense this week and are looking to exert some more pressure on the opposition. Something that Craig said he was impressed with from the Dockers last week. Another good test for the young ruckman this week and also for Brad Moran who is tipped to play on Hawthorn Superstar Buddy Franklin. Nathan Bassett, The Bird Man Brett Burton and Rob Shirley look set to return for the Crows but Bassett may mind himself playing forward instead of back as Craig looks to find more avenues to goal. I have been impressed with the Crows game style and skill level in the first too hit outs and I am sure they will be out to grab a Grand Final berth.
Over at the Hawks nest there are a number of quality inclusions that may occur this week Rick Ladson, Brent Guerra, Trent Croad, Jarryd Roughead, Stuart Dew, Beau Dowler, Danny Jacobs, Max Bailey, Ben McGlynn and Mitch Thorp are all in contention to play. Stewart Dew is the name on everyone’s lips, he will definately play this week but whether it is in Adelaide or for the Box Hill Hawks is yet to be determined. The word is though they will probably take him considering they can play 26 players. The Hawks had a slow start in the first game against the Swans in Round 1 but hit their straps, all be it for 10 minutes, last week and had the luxury of resting their stars in the second half. Tim Clarke is enjoying being back on the park and racked up the possessions last week and is sure to be looking to back that up this week. I have highlighted Cyril Rioli this week as a player to watch and I hope he plays because he has blistering pace and puts a lot of pressure on his opponents through harassing and tackling. Gun forward Mark Williams is still on the recovery trail and will be hoping to start hitting some form and maybe even bring the “shotgun” back out this week. It is going to be a great battle in the midfield with Lewis, Hodge, Mitchell, Clarke etc up against the Crows midfield and will determine who will win the game. The Hawks certainly have the players in the middle to win that contest and it will be a good test.
I like the way the Crows are playing at the moment and I just think they are a bit further advanced than the Hawks at the present moment and with the home ground advantage (they have not lost to the Hawks at AAMI Stadium since 1994) I think will book their spot in the Grand Final against the Bombers (maybe).
Crows by 24 points
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Im guessing you are a bombers man!
I am thinking that Adelaide will win mainly because they are a better drilled side and can manage the game better. Hawthorn are to ‘up and down’, so alot will depend on which Hawks team turns out.
Correct Jermayn.
Trying to keep the bias out as much as possible but is an exciting time as a Bomber fan at the moment. But we only have to remember how Carlton faired during the regular season to realise that NAB Cup form may not really be good form.