What To Expect As The NAB Cup Continues | Thebigtip

The first peek at all the teams and what is to come for the year has come and gone. We are down to only 8 teams starting tonight. Some surprises with the Gold Coast Suns and West Coast making the grade along with the expected in Collingwood, Geelong and St. Kilda making it through as well. As expected, for the first real game of the year, the football was quite scrappy for each of the sides with teams and players rushing their possessions and skills, the victor generally being  those who were capable of handling the ball cleanly.

Essendon have come a long way since last year with a nice little coaching change. The only question now for the up and coming Bombers is depth. Melbourne on the other hand have had a few years to get their formula and depth working in such a way that could see them make the final 8 this year. Collingwood, now the corner stone for all in the AFL, showed just how good they still are, if not getting better. With half a side, they still ran the ball with finesse and ease. Sydney will need all of their defence working around the clock tomorrow night to show that they can keep up with the benchmarkers of the competition.

Geelong and St. Kilda will be more than an interesting clash. The Cats seem to still have a little spark despite the loss of Ablett and coach Mark Thompson. The Saints still have their determination which will make for a great encounter. The game of the round I feel is West Coast and the Suns of the Gold Coast. This is the showcase of the new and what could be another up and coming team this year. Gold coast have been treated to the cream of the crop during the last few years' drafts as well as a few veterans and experienced players. Moving the ball well and throwing themselves into contests saw them hold onto their place in the second round. The West Coast Eagles seem to consolidated from last year's second half revival and can only keep improving.

Certainly those teams left in the competition are all treated to a really good hit-out again this weekend, perhaps gaining a little edge over those who have dropped out. Another great reason the NAB cup is of interest is the multitude of Fantasy Football Fans! Make no mistake about it, tens of thousands of the crazed football fantasy fans are scrutinising away at their picks, watching each game with greater interest on their own teams and those players they feel will bring them fantasy glory!

My Picks for this weekend are Melbourne, Collingwood, Geelong, Gold Coast.