How bloody good is it that the footys back. I mean, sure, its just the pretend stuff, but its bloody good to be back.

Check out over the break to see the first three games of the season.

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North Melbourne vs Richmond

Result: North by 3, 7.2.44 to 6.5.41

Wow, how did North end up winning this one, they looked absolutely terrible early, but with late goals to Petrie and Edwards, managed to fall into the half time break only two points behind. The second half started much as the first did, with Richmond - in particular Martin and Conca, doing some good things to get them out to an early lead.

It was at this stage that Conca rubbed out Patch Adams, it was reasonable innoucuous- Conca laid a block onto Adams, who from what you can tell, didnt see it coming. Heads clashed and Adams left the ground with a concussion. Still, it was very behind the play, and the AFL doesnt like behind the play, so for mine, hell get weeks. Now, I dont know if NAB weeks can be served out in the NAB or not- still waiting for the official word, but its a shame as Conca was looking very good.

From the hit on out though, it was all Roos, kicking the next 3 goals to run out 4 point victors. Though they did cop what looks a 6-8 week injury to Grima.

We dont have any Supercoach scores, but from a DreamTeam front, we have the following:

Brad Miller led the way for the Tigers, 7 disposals and 2.2 for a 47.
Dustin Martin looked every bit as good as I would have hoped. 11 disposals and 1.1 for a 43, and doing everything possible to get locked into my forward line.
Maric dominated the rucking against a pretty top-line outfit, scoring 12 of the games 20 hitouts. I think the dirty mullet might have helped with his streamlining, or something.
Conca, as mentioned above, played through the middle and was very good. 7 disposals for a 30, was a fine performance. Gotta see if the MRP lets him be in our teams though.
Morris looked pretty solid down back, he scored himself 5 disposal, for a 21. That said though, 4 of them were recieved through free kicks, but he looks to be shaping up as a solid 45-55 week-in-week-out defender who does his job and covers injuries. I dont see many big scores coming from him unless he Leo Barrys a few games.
Ellis looked alright, was a little more defensive than Id hoped, but a 3 touch performance was alright in this format.

Edwards top scored for the Roos with 3 goals for a 47.
Ziebull made us sad, his first two games will be missed through suspension, depriving us of his 7 touch 39.
Swallow was his usual prolific self, 6 disposals, 2 tackles and a goal for a 34.
Goldstein and McIntosh both shared the ruck and forward duties, and I reckon it was detrimental to both players scores- well need to watch this closer.

North Melbourne vs Hawthorn

Result: Hawthorn by 25, 1.6.8.53 to 4.4.28

Wow, this was the biggest margin of the weekend, and it really showed up the gap between these two side. The Hawks we just awesome, rolling out early and just keeping the pressure up. Meanwhile, North knocked up their 3rd injury for the night with Luke Delaney being subbed with a rolled ankle.

Im gunna start with the Roos, give quick lip service to Harvey, who did well- 9 disposals for a 32.
Then move straight onto Sam Gibson. If this guy gets promoted off the rookie list, get him in your belly. 9 disposals for a 29 tonight, but this former captain and B&F winner at Box Hill last year averaged 28 disposals a game and was top3 for most disposals in the VFL last year. If North find a spot for him, hes an easy lock.

Lance Franklin. We all heard it in the pre-season, moving to the middle- and wow, I dunno if hell be stoppable this year. 11 disposals and 1.2. Seriously though, if he could learn how to tackle, he might have turned a few of his FAs into Ts and a massive score. Still, just lock him in early and be done with it!
Mitchell will have gotten on a few more radars this weekend, at least in DreamTeam land where his 13 disposals scored him a 41.
As will Birchall, who himself knocked up 13 disposals. I didnt think there would be much real growth for any of the Hawks premiums, but Birch has gotten himself onto my maybe list.
Gunston was alright without being excellent. Not really justifying his price just yet.

Hawthorn vs Richmond

Result: Richmond by 3, 6.4.40 to 5.7.37

After seeing the results of the last two games, Im sure I wasnt the only one expecting the Hawks to once again romp it in, and early days they did. Those Tigers though, wow, doing just enough to hold onto a 3 point lead.

Franklin was best on ground, 11 disposals and 3.2 for a massive 65. And let me just say again. Get him in your team early, rather than trading him in and raging for the first 6 weeks.
Mitchell again was a big part of the Hawthorn engine room, 15 disposals and a 52. A massive score again will make him a very interesting option.
Suckling did better this game, 9 disposals for a 35.
As did Gunston, with 7 possessions and 5 marks for a 33. However, he couldnt put anything on the scoreboard which would have topped his score off nicely.

Over on Richmonds side, Tuck top scored with 10 disposals for a 42. I still dont know why he isnt playing for the GWS though- hes still got so much to offer and was treated pretty harshly last year I thought. I guess they are holding out for the Lids option though.
While Maric didnt ruck this game, he still did pretty well for himself, with 8 disposals for a 33.
Ellis was better this game, 5 disposals and hes looking like a fantastic option.
Conca wasnt as good as last game, however, Im still thinking that the MRP are going to decide if hes in my team or not.
Ive heard a number of good things said about Derickx, and sure, he was alright for a rookie price, but it will be interesting to compare him to the other rookie rucks (in Giles and the big O)