After another long wait, footy is back for 2008, with the NAB Cup kicking off on Saturday night. The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, hosted Adelaide and Collingwood after converting a polo field into a football ground at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club just to the south west of the capital. A second quarter surge helped Adelaide set up a 47 point lead at half time and they cruised to an 81 point thumping with the Crows young ruckman showing some good early signs.
After a tight first quarter, the Crows kicked 6 goals and 2 supergoals in the second, to help set up their big win. Collingwood offered little fight in the second half and were held goaless in the last quarter with the Crows kicking another two supergoals to cap off their day.
Crows fans can be happy with the emergance of some good young players. James Sellar, who was trouble with injuries throughout 2007, impressed up forward kicking three goals, while ex-basketballer Kurt Tippett combined well with Ivan Maric and ex-Kangaroos Brad Moran, to help dominate the experience Josh Fraser and Chris Bryan in the ruck. These are good signs for the club after the Crows number one ruckman, Rhett Biglands, re-injured his knee and the trading of Ben Hudson to the Bulldogs.
Heath and Rhyce Shaw looked the best for the Magpies, some of who seemed to be affected by illness in the lead up. Collingwood now have plenty of time to prepare for Round One where they take on Fremantle at the MCG.
The rest of the NAB Cup first round will be completed this weekend.
