World Footy News

Round 1 of the NAB cup saw the new 3 team 20-minute half format. Half the clubs took the park in week 1. The preseason games allow the clubs to see how players who haven't yet made their senior AFL debut will fair against seasoned opponents and with a number of players on club lists still recovering from injuries this gives some of the internationals at clubs a chance to show their wares.

Melbourne had the best of the Adelaide teams on their own turf on Friday night showing the benefits of seasons of rebuilding a list at the bottom of the ladder. English born Brad Moran in for the Crows and Fijian-Australian Alipate Carlile suiting up for Port Adelaide.

Saturday night saw the big drawcards Collingwood, Carlton and Richmond fill Etihad stadium,  and the Pies continued where they left off 2010 in solid form. Three Irishmen took the field in Jamie O’Reilly for Richmond playing in defence, Setanta o’hAilpin at centre half forward and Zac Tuohy both lining up for Carlton. Not a great deal to report for any of them but they are up and going and in the mix for the season proper.

The Pies have Brazilian-born Harry O’Brien up and running, and American Shae McNamara could have added to the international flavour but is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. Timing is everything in footy as in life and Shae needs to get himself right as soon as possible to put his case on the field to Mick Malthouse for the 2011 season. His case was done no harm with Josh Fraser leaving for the Gold Coast Suns, meaning he has moved up the rucking pecking order.

Sunday had the Hawks make the tough trip to play both Western Australian clubs in Perth. The Eagles were the surprise packet beating both the Hawks and Fremantle. But the Hawks who played a young inexperienced list also showed much more than was expected from them narrowly losing to the Eagles before dispatching the Dockers. The Hawks continue their Kiwi flavour with Shane Savage a shining light with his hard running and Brent Renouf in the ruck. Renouf had a chance to have the Hawks take the win against the Eagles in a late free kick for goal but sprayed the ball wide of the big sticks.  The other prominent international name in Perth was mature age rookie Tendai Mzungu (of East African heritage) who impressed his coach and most spectators with an impressive running display.

Week 2 could see many more international names step out with Tommy Walsh’s debut at St Kilda probably the most anticipated. He may come up against countryman Michael Quinn playing for Essendon who will be looking for a new start with new coach James Hird after a good season with Bendigo Bombers in the VFL but not so impressive work with Essendon in 2010. Essendon and St Kilda will be taking on Brisbane Lions as well and they have their own Irishmen but neither look like they will be playing, Pearce Hanley (may be out with an ankle injury) and Niall McKeever. 

Canadian Mike Pyke at Sydney starts his 2011 season as a genuine ruckman rather than a novelty act as many saw him when he started two years ago and Chris McKaigue will be looking to impress new coach Longmire and show the Swans fans that the injured Kennelly isn’t the only Irishman in town. Sydney will play the GWS team (without an injured Israel Folau) who do not make their AFL debut until 2012, and the Gold Coast Suns who will make their much publicised debut this year. And speaking of much publicised NZ born Karmichael Hunt is expected to play.

The final matches Geelong vs North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs and the main interest from an international viewpoint will be to see if Sudanese refugee Majak Daw is able to strut his stuff alongside his Samoan born team-mate Aaron Edwards on Sunday.