Intra-club games: Friday 4th February

There were three intra-club games played today and a few who are on our Dream Team radars have been mentioned in reports. Hawthorn, Collingwood and Adelaide reports are as follows.

Hawthorn

I made my way down to Aurora Stadium this morning to check out the Hawks in their game. They played as the young-uns vs the oldies. Word is that they’ll be taking the young team to Perth next week for the NAB Cup opening game. We didn’t see Cyril Rioli or Shaun Burgoyne (indigenous camp), Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell and David Hale were also bigger names that were missing. The good news was that Max Bailey got through his first game in a long time… and probably won the ruck duel with Renouf. Our eyes were on Isaac Smith who didn’t do a lot, but what he did do was very flashy – fast and skillful. He kicked an awesome goal that made Stephen Gilham look silly. Cameron Bruce excited me off the half-back with some stints in the midfield. Now that he is named as a defender, he is certainly on my radar. The big one was Paul Puopolo. We didn’t realise who he was until about half way through the game after making plenty of committed efforts all over the ground. His pace and attack on the ball (and player) was great. Won’t be a high DT scorer, but worth a bench spot if he can get a game. Buddy Franklin was very dominant and the Hawks would be happy there isn’t another Buddy for another club, because no opponent had a chance against him.

Collingwood

The message out of the Magpies game was that Andrew Krakouer dominated. Lots of clearances and four goals. Hopefully a sign that he is ready to go in round one. I have been a bit cautious in putting him in my team thus far, but he is doing all he can for selection. Keep an eye out on Alex Fasolo who might get some games this season. Could be a good one for your watchlist as a downgrade option.

Adelaide

Tassie boy Ian Callinan (as Chook mentioned in the latest DT TALK video) impressed kicking 2 goals. Draftee Brodie Smith was talked up as well as DEF/FWD Daniel Talia. The bad news from the day was that two of the biggest bargains of 2011 pulled up with minor injuries. Andy Otten strained his ankle and Chris Knights has a corked thigh.

Are you heading to any intra-club games? We’d love a report! Email them to warnie@dreamteamtalk.com