To say the NAB cup is becoming a bit of a joke is an understatement! Personally this year I am yet to get excited by what I have seen. I understand the rotations teams are implementing with players and the value that delivers but I feel this combined with a lot of the clubs rotating the head coaching role makes it hard for me to get enthused about the preseason at all.
Despite this we are at the end of the road for the 2009 NAB cup the Final tonight will be between Geelong and Collingwood, which would be a dream draw for the AFL with both clubs attracting huge crowds especially in recent years when playing each other.
In previewing this game I must make mention of the fact I am a Geelong supporter, so there is sure to be some underlying bias. Regardless of allegiance I am glad to see the final will be between two clubs hoping to have a serious hit out before the beginning of season proper. Geelong has recalled many of its stars for the clash and field a strong side with Thompson hoping to get a good result heading into the season.
This clearly marks Geelong’s intentions to have a strong match after what can only be described as a lack luster affair against Carlton. The trophy itself is an afterthought in my mind, the main aim is to have players ready to hit the ground running in season 2009 a season in which the Cats will be looking to right the wrongs of 2008.
Collingwood will have the same motivation for this match, if not more so than Geelong. They will want to have a good hit out against a quality side; this will ready them for round one, but also indicate to them where they stand in 2009. Maxwell and Medhurst are set to return which should make the Pies much more dangerous. The only other thing missing from Collingwood is its coach, which as I have already mentioned strikes me as a strange move and successes in trivializing the game more than necessary.
With two strong sides hitting the park on Friday it could be the lift the NAB cup needs, after a less than world beating couple of weeks of football. In which even the most fanatic fan mush have struggled to get the heart rate up. Let’s hope it delivers. I am expecting a close game, but expect my boys to get the job done.
-Brent Jewell
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