BulldogBelle
16-02-2007, 07:38 PM
This article just hot off the press from "The Age"
*****
Bulldogs depleted for NAB Cup opener
Injuries will force the Western Bulldogs to field a weakened side against Sydney in their NAB Cup opener on February 24.
Coach Rodney Eade said after an intraclub match at Whitten Oval up to 16 players will be unavailable for selection, including Luke Darcy, whose rehabilitation from a knee injury has suffered a setback.
While Eade believes the Bulldogs will be competitive against the Swans, no chances will be taken on those returning from injury and close to selection.
"Sixteen out is probably going to make it difficult (to win the NAB Cup)," Eade said.
"There are probably four or five blokes who could play next week but it's just not worth the risk at this stage.
"If it's round one, they might be playing."
Apart from Darcy, others set to miss the trip to Canberra's Manuka Oval include Adam Cooney, Ryan Hargrave, Chris Grant, Nathan Eagleton and Robert Murphy, while ruckman Peter Street is a chance to play.
All are expected to play at some stage during the pre-season.
Ryan Griffen was the standout in the 16-a-side hit-out played in hot, windy conditions, gathering plenty of touches and kicking a couple of goals.
Griffen has been used primarily as a half-back flanker since he came to the club in 2005, but Eade said the 20-year-old will spend more time in the middle this season.
"We think he's a good young lad, in case you haven't noticed," Eade said.
"He's going well. He's had a very big pre-season.
"As you'd imagine with any young player going into the midfield, there's a lot to learn.
"He's still got to learn the two-way play of a midfielder but certainly his fitness level has gone to another step."
But apart from Griffen, new recruit Jason Akermanis and a number of senior players including Scott West, Brad Johnson and Lindsay Gilbee, the match was a scrappy affair with few highlights.
Here is the link -
Bulldogs depleted for NAB Cup opener (http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Bulldogs-depleted-for-NAB-Cup-opener/2007/02/16/1171405430860.html)
*****
Bulldogs depleted for NAB Cup opener
Injuries will force the Western Bulldogs to field a weakened side against Sydney in their NAB Cup opener on February 24.
Coach Rodney Eade said after an intraclub match at Whitten Oval up to 16 players will be unavailable for selection, including Luke Darcy, whose rehabilitation from a knee injury has suffered a setback.
While Eade believes the Bulldogs will be competitive against the Swans, no chances will be taken on those returning from injury and close to selection.
"Sixteen out is probably going to make it difficult (to win the NAB Cup)," Eade said.
"There are probably four or five blokes who could play next week but it's just not worth the risk at this stage.
"If it's round one, they might be playing."
Apart from Darcy, others set to miss the trip to Canberra's Manuka Oval include Adam Cooney, Ryan Hargrave, Chris Grant, Nathan Eagleton and Robert Murphy, while ruckman Peter Street is a chance to play.
All are expected to play at some stage during the pre-season.
Ryan Griffen was the standout in the 16-a-side hit-out played in hot, windy conditions, gathering plenty of touches and kicking a couple of goals.
Griffen has been used primarily as a half-back flanker since he came to the club in 2005, but Eade said the 20-year-old will spend more time in the middle this season.
"We think he's a good young lad, in case you haven't noticed," Eade said.
"He's going well. He's had a very big pre-season.
"As you'd imagine with any young player going into the midfield, there's a lot to learn.
"He's still got to learn the two-way play of a midfielder but certainly his fitness level has gone to another step."
But apart from Griffen, new recruit Jason Akermanis and a number of senior players including Scott West, Brad Johnson and Lindsay Gilbee, the match was a scrappy affair with few highlights.
Here is the link -
Bulldogs depleted for NAB Cup opener (http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Bulldogs-depleted-for-NAB-Cup-opener/2007/02/16/1171405430860.html)