The much anticipated NAB Cup has started. To make sense of Round 1, Doug Nelson offers his perspective. Stay tuned for his Round 2 tips!

West Coast began its campaign against Essendon at Subiaco on Friday night prevailing 1.16.12 (117) to the Bombers 0.12.10 (82). Essendon began strongly with Jobe Watson and Mark Williams combining strongly to kick seven first quarter goals. Despite a solid start, Essendon fell away in the third quarter while the Eagles surged forward in a subsequent 65-point turnaround. The game breaker for West Coast was their young and strikingly talented Nic Naitanui, who tilted the match in the Eagles favour, gathering 18 possessions and kicking 3 goals. Naitanui's game led Essendon coach Matthew Knights to echo the sentiments of the wider football community of a burgeoning talent. “He is the most awesome young talent running around in the game at the present time", said Knights in a post game interview.

Starting as pre-game favourites the Adelaide Crows were soundly beaten by Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday. Port’s younger brigade stepped up, starting the season brightly, with Banner, Thompson, Hitchcock and Stewart all kicking two goals as they outplayed a Crows outfit besieged by injury. It was a sorry start for the Crows, who many consider will go far come season proper.

On Saturday night Richmond was competitive against Hawthorn for the first minutes in Launceston before Lance Franklin and his teammates clicked into gear to thrash the tigers by 73 points. The Hawks key position players Luke Hodge and skipper Sam Mitchell controlled the backline and midfield comprehensively. The Tigers third pick of the 2009 Draft, Dustin Martin was a shining star in Richmond's gloom, accumulating 26 possessions by the game's end. The Hawks will now meet the Western Bulldogs who narrowly accounted for the Brisbane Lions despite their inaccuracy in front of goal. Brendan Fevola's potency to change the course of a game was hampered by the damp conditions at Manuka. The Dogs now meet Hawthorn on Friday night at Etihad Stadium in what promises to be the highest quality match of the second round.

On Friday night of week two of the NAB Cup action, a mouth watering contest between 2009 powerhouses Collingwood and St Kilda thrilled the Etihad stadium crowd. St Kilda, who at one stage lead by 43 points midway through the third term, hung on to a 1 point win over a surging Collingwood outfit. A very fit looking Nick Riewoldt reigned supreme, kicking four goals while Collingwood Utility Leigh Brown kicked four of his own. Despite the loss, Collingwood fans will be hopeful after the BOG performances of their new recruits Darren Jolly and Luke Ball.

In front of a sellout crowd of nearly 10 thousand at Blacktown, Sydney prevailed over Carlton 2.7.11 (71) to 0.8.11 (59) after an even first half of football. The game broke free in the third quarter when first round draft pick (No.14 overall) Lewis Jetta came into his own, booting two goals (including a blistering 9 point goal on the run) and a best on ground performance. For Carlton, they struggled without a main target down forward. Sydney, who have not previously played well in the NAB Cup should draw inspiration from their victory as a catalyst for a strong showing for the rest of the pre-season hit outs. An exciting blend of youth, key core players and new recruit, Ben Mcglynn should offer hope for the Swans in 2010, whom many commentators predicted would continue to fall away.

Despite having a month less in preparation time, Geelong received a shock loss to North Melbourne. Liam Anthony had a stellar hit out, dominating with 38 disposals as did Jack Ziebell and Ben Warren who kicked four goals for the Kangaroos. Missing a host of players from last years grand final; Bartell, Ablett, Selwood and Enright carried the Cats but they alone couldn’t get them over the line. North will now host an upbeat Fremantle who convincingly beat last year’s cellar dwellers Melbourne. Winning 1.13.10 (97) to 2.4.8 (50) with young guns Clancee Pearce and mature-age-rookie Michael Barlow overshadowing the Dees top draft picks Tom Scully and Jack Trengrove. Concerning for Fremantle however will be ankle injuries to Adam McPhee and Byron Schammer.

DOUGIE’S ROUND 2 TIPS

Tipped winners in bold.

Friday February 26

Hawthorn V Western Bulldogs at Etihad
Toughest match to tip. Hawks look more prepared at this stage; if it’s a shootout and the Dogs can kick straight they’ll get close.

Saturday February 27

West Coast V Port Adelaide at Subiaco
West Should be too strong at home with their young players having progressed a little further than Port's.

St. Kilda V Sydney at Etihad
With Geelong gone, would have to be favourites to win the Pre-Season comp despite still resting their stars. Sydney will look forward to giving their youngsters another hit out.

Sunday February 28

North Melbourne V Fremantle at Etihad
Despite their strong performance at home I can’t tip Freo with any confidence away from home. North looks better than expected under Brad Scott.