NAB CUP WASH UP

The NAB Cup's over and, despite the fact that it's not taken seriously by all and the system of deciding the grand finallists has its deficiencies, I would think the majority of people (barring Carlton supporters) would be pleased with the outcome. The Brisbane Lions took some pretty handy scalps with them on their way to the winning the silverware - Hawthorn, Collimgwood and finally Carlton who they exposed last night for both fitness and ability.

I know you can't take all that much away from pre season competitions of this nature but I reckon the highlight for me was the overhyping of the Blues throughout the competition to the point where the pundits on the footy show (now there's an oxymoron for you) had them finishing on top of the ladder after 23 rounds, ahead of the Swans, Hawks, Eagles, Cats & Pies. Their road to the grand final was fascinating; they scraped in with a late surge against GWS, flogged two uninterested sides in the Swans and the visiting Dockers and lost to Adelaide (who had nothing to play for and put up stumps at ¾ time). The commentators were saying last night that they were at full strength except for Waite and Garlett and if that's the case, they're in trouble because they are Melbourne in reverse. They have a very good midfield (which didn't fire last night) a couple of good small forwards and nothing much else. They're in trouble as far as I'm concerned and if Richmond finally get their act into gear for an opening round game, the Blues could be staring at 0-4.

Brisbane looked good. Some of their bit players are kicking on and they handled the game and the interchange rule far better than their opponents. They're a chance for the top 8 if they can keep that up.

The other thing to come out of the NAB Cup to me is that the Hawks could be in trouble if their injuries continue to pile up. The Suns are improving but I still question the Giants who have stockpiled on young talent but don't appear to have the mature bodies and personnel around them to help them make the grade.

As for Melbourne - we're taking some small steps after the clean out. The coach has made the bold moves that were definitely necessary after the tumultuous period that not only preceded him but "welcomed" him in his debut year at the helm. I'm sure he never expected it to be so hard for him to develop a team that he wanted to be the hardest team to play against.