Madness in the Middle
Both sides are going into tomorrow’s clash with arguably their first string midfields. Champion Data rate the Bulldog troupe as the fourth best in the game, six spots ahead of the Pies’ starting six. But don’t be fooled, there is some serious talent in the Pies engine room led by skipper Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Dane Swan. Throw in former Giant Adam Treloar into that mix and this could be where the game is won or lost.
Momentum
Most clubs look to load up for the final NAB Challenge match, using it as a full dress rehearsal for the season proper, and the Dogs will be no different. In the corresponding fixture last season, the Dogs saluted to the tune of 61 points, a result that provided then first year coach Luke Beveridge with plenty of momentum going into round one. Not too much sleep is lost on the back of a NAB Challenge loss but both sides will be doing all they can to get the W, which should make for an entertaining contest.
Big guns
Robert Murphy, Matthew Boyd, Tom Liberatore.. the list goes on. The Dogs have loaded up for the final pre-season game of the year, naming an experienced mix that should give us an insight into what the side might look like for round one. Collingwood look to have done the same, with Pendlebury, Travis Cloke and Swan named. Whatever the result, the best of the best will be out there for both sides, and that alone will be worth the price of admission.
The kids are alright
It’s not just the veterans that fans should be keeping an eye on tomorrow, both sides have lists packed with promising youngsters, and more than a few will be on display tomorrow. Luke Beveridge has named 20-year old Marcus Bontemepelli, 21-year old Jake Stringer and 20-year old Tom Boyd in the squad and Collingwood have included Darcy Moore and Jordan Goey. The future is now and the future will be lots of fun to watch.
