Round 1: Game Previews/Reviews + General Discussion

[Interceptor]

Richmond vs Carlton is now a sellout.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/tigersblues-clash-a-sellout/2009/03/24/1237656914177.html

[Thiele]

Teams for tomorrow night

CARLTON
B: Paul Bower, Michael Jamison, Aaron Joseph
HB: Jordan Russell, Bret Thornton, Heath Scotland
C: Kade Simpson, Marc Murphy, Chris Johnson
HF: Ryan Houlihan, Jarrad Waite, Jeffrey Garlett
F: Cameron Cloke, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Bryce Gibbs, Chris Judd
Int: Richard Hadley, Sam Jacobs, Mitch Robinson, Simon Wiggins
Emg: Dennis Armfield, Shaun Hampson, Andrew Walker

New: Garlett (Swan Districts, 2009 NAB Rookie Draft No. 6 overall), Jacobs (Ardrossan/Woodville-West Torrens, 2007 NAB Rookie Draft No. 1 overall), Johnson (Melbourne), Joseph (Glenorchy/Tassie Mariners, 2008 NAB AFL Rookie Draft No. 2 overall) Robinson (Tassie Mariners, 2008 NAB AFL Draft No. 40 overall).

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Andrew Raines
HB: Joel Bowden, Luke McGuane, Jordan McMahon
C: Shane Edwards, Shane Tuck, Matthew White
HF: Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson, Jack Riewoldt
F: Ben Cousins, Jay Schulz, Richard Tambling
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley
Int: Will Thursfield, Andrew Browne, Mitch Morton, Daniel Jackson
Emg: Andrew Collins, Dean Polo, Alex Rance

New: Browne, Cousins

[the joker]

Scotty Thompson only ran laps today with a tight hammy, and is in doubt for the game saturday

[Dirko]

Carlton have done well out of the Rookie system. For the next game we'd have IIRC Jamieson, Joseph, Gartlett, Betts, Jacobs & Thornton from it

[CoverKing]

Carlton have done well out of the Rookie system. For the next game we'd have IIRC Jamieson, Joseph, Gartlett, Betts, Jacobs & Thornton from it

i wouldnt classify that as doing well because they are playing.

doing well is a side like the crows, griffen, rutten, bock, porps, petrenko.
2 all australians outta that, now thats doing well outta the rookie system

[wycbloods]

Carlton have done well out of the Rookie system. For the next game we'd have IIRC Jamieson, Joseph, Gartlett, Betts, Jacobs & Thornton from it

i wouldnt classify that as doing well because they are playing.

doing well is a side like the crows, griffen, rutten, bock, porps, petrenko.
2 all australians outta that, now thats doing well outta the rookie system

I would. The % of rookies who play is very small.

[CoverKing]

yeah % may be small, but it depends on a lot and the luck and timing of when a person is on the rookie list.

thats probably just started another discussion in itself... disregard the above

[Pup]

Carlton have done well out of the Rookie system. For the next game we'd have IIRC Jamieson, Joseph, Gartlett, Betts, Jacobs & Thornton from it

i wouldnt classify that as doing well because they are playing.

doing well is a side like the crows, griffen, rutten, bock, porps, petrenko.
2 all australians outta that, now thats doing well outta the rookie system

Everyone has some success with the Rookie List.

Look at WCE.

Matthew Priddis, Brett Jones, Mark Nicoski, Quinten Lynch, Dean Cox and Chad Fletcher have all came off the rookie list in previous years. Be hard to find a better current list off players elevated that are in the sides i would imagine.

[Pup]

Carlton have done well out of the Rookie system. For the next game we'd have IIRC Jamieson, Joseph, Gartlett, Betts, Jacobs & Thornton from it

Surprised Scotland is playing SJABC?

[Dirko]

Carlton have done well out of the Rookie system. For the next game we'd have IIRC Jamieson, Joseph, Gartlett, Betts, Jacobs & Thornton from it

Surprised Scotland is playing SJABC?

Not really. Played for the Ants last week and got through OK. With so many young heads his experience will help.

[JK]

I'm actually starting to get a gut feel that leads me toward the Tiges now ... Hope Im wrong as I backed the Blues, but I reckon if Richmond keep Fevola relatively quiet they're virtually home, and if not they still have decent forward options of their own.

[Dirko]

I'm actually starting to get a gut feel that leads me toward the Tiges now ... Hope Im wrong as I backed the Blues, but I reckon if Richmond keep Fevola relatively quiet they're virtually home, and if not they still have decent forward options of their own.

I've tipped Richmond

Fev under a cloud, missing a few key blokes and a few first timers has me worried too....

[Pup]

I'm actually starting to get a gut feel that leads me toward the Tiges now ... Hope Im wrong as I backed the Blues, but I reckon if Richmond keep Fevola relatively quiet they're virtually home, and if not they still have decent forward options of their own.

I've tipped Richmond

Fev under a cloud, missing a few key blokes and a few first timers has me worried too....

It is a toss of the coin for me as well. I have not picked either way but i am leaning towards Carlton but will decide in the morning. Fev is a worry for me but it really depends who is on from the get go. Tough one to pick IMO.

[hearts on fire]

My Tips:

Richmond
Geelong
Collingwood
Brisbane
St.Kilda
North Melbourne
Port Adelaide
Fremantle

[Dutchy]

is tonight the most overrated game of football ever? a game between 2 modern non achieving clubs....seriously bring on Firday night and some real teams!

[CoverKing]

is tonight the most overrated game of football ever? a game between 2 modern non achieving clubs....seriously bring on Firday night and some real teams!

But its the first time Cousins v Judd have come against eachother. That's big enough in itself.
Bring on tonight and the start of the AFL.

[hearts on fire]

well said CoverKing.

I am so excited, i can't wait any longer!!

[hearts on fire]

Round 1 Preview:

HAS THERE been a more anticipated AFL premiership season-opener than Thursday night's monumental clash between Richmond and Carlton?

Ben Cousins in his return to AFL football, going head-to-head with former Eagles teammate Chris Judd. The Tigers and the Blues doing battle in front of 90,000 screaming fans at the 'G in a flashback to their mighty contests of the early 1970s and 1980s.

It's a matchmaker's dream, to be played out on a sporting stage like no other.

Footy's back with a vengeance.

Just 24 hours after the Richmond-Carlton match launches the season, the Colosseum will be packed to the rafters again for the traditional round-one grand final rematch.

The Cats are clear bookies' favourites for this game – and for the 2009 flag – but the Hawks will be hell-bent to prove their victory on the last Saturday in September was no one-off.

The great rivals drew 100,000-plus to the grand final, and more than 86,000 a few weeks earlier in round 17, so expect another bumper crowd to thrill to the exploits of the likes of Ablett, Franklin, Selwood and Hodge. No-one who saw the pulsating grand final will want to miss this.

In round one, every match offers intriguing possibilities. Collingwood was thumped in the NAB Cup final, and now the youthful Pies come up against experienced and battle-hardened Adelaide. Lions legend Michael Voss will make his debut as coach against the wily John Worsfold, a stiff test for a tyro if ever there was one.

The Saints, lately perennial flag prospects who have fallen short in September, take on the Swans, a team acknowledged to have splendidly marshalled its limited on-field resources. Wooden-spooners Melbourne will test its improving list against North, another side that constantly punches above its weight.

The Power, most pundits' tip to be the bolter of 2009, will have a chance to kick off its touted revival against Essendon, whose youth and speed will offer a real challenge. And Fremantle, having massively turned over its list in its search for consistency, will launch its season at home against the quick and classy Bulldogs.

The first round of any AFL season usually provides its share of surprises. NAB Cup and NAB Challenge form often counts for little as the focus moves from the trials and experimentation of pre-season to no-holds-barred reality. The shadow boxing is over.

In round one, underdogs get over the line and first-gamers come from nowhere to become instant stars. Veterans return refreshed and ready to do it all over again.

And there is optimism – from players, from coaches, and above all from supporters. It may prove misplaced – blind loyalty often is – but for now everyone can dream.

from the AFL website: http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/ ... fault.aspx

[Pup]

My Tips

Carlton Vs Richmond - Roll of the dice for me, really found this tough to pick, both have been poor in previous years yet both are claining season 2009 is the start of something special. Fevola under a cloud was the decison maker for me, keep him quiet and they should win just..

Geelong Vs Hawthorn - Geelong are clearly ready for 2009 and have points to prove, Should account for an underdone Hawthorn relatively easily IMO.

Collingwood Vs Adelaide - Collingwood have had a good pre season and look like they will be again threats to the top 4. I think they will be strong in Melbourne.

Brisbane Vs WCE - West Coast have not lost a Rnd 1 game since 2001 and have a brilliant record at the Gabba in the last 6 years but even with these two things on their side i dont think they can beat Brisbane on Sat Night. Either Brown or Bradshaw to kick 5-7 and Brisbane to win in a closer game than many expect.

St Kilda Vs Sydney - St Kilda have lost a lot of experience and are under done IMO, Riewoldt is struggling, Hayes in doubt which leaves a big job for Dal Santo and Sydney have yet again been written off, they will rise to the occasion yet again and just beat the Saints even with their poor record at TD or whatever we call it now.

North Vs Melbourne - North Melbourne Easily, I am sure Melbourne will be better than 2008 or at least i hope so but not good enough to win here.

Port Vs Essendon- Should be a good game.. Port are looking to be the big movers and Essendon want to continue to rebuild and Improve. Port should be too good in Adelaide and win by 4-5 goals.

Fremantle Vs Bulldogs- Another tough game to pick IMO, who knows what Freo will give us and the Dogs are highly rated and play Subiaco very well so considering every time i pick Fremantle they lose i am going for the dogs by 3 goals.

Tough round to pick, Round 1 always is. I could easily get 1-2 or 3 i reckon.

[Thiele]

Richmond are shit tonight