GVGjr
17-02-2007, 06:52 AM
Aker (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,21239229%255E20322,00.html)
Aker adds bark and bite
17 February 2007 Herald-Sun
Gareth Trickey
JASON Akermanis laced up his playing boots and had an immediate on-field impact as the Western Bulldogs slugged it out in an intra-club match at Whitten Oval yesterday.
The star pre-season recruit drew plaudits from coach Rodney Eade, who praised the former Lion for his leadership and work ethic.
"His (Akermanis) unselfishness and ability to set up goals was good," Eade said. "He's taken it upon himself to get further into that role as far as educating our players."
There was plenty of animated and intense talk from Akermanis to his teammates, and he was among the standouts with Andrew MacDougall and seasoned performers Brad Johnson and Scott West.
But Eade, who played down early premiership talk, was less flattering about the team as a whole, describing the display as "rusty".
TAB Sportsbet has the Bulldogs at $9, sixth in betting behind West Coast, Fremantle, Adelaide, Sydney and St Kilda.
"The way we played today, the expectations won't be too high, I don't think," Eade said.
"Anyone talking about higher honours for us, well, it's probably just in hope more than anything at this stage."
He was also low key about next Saturday's opening round of the NAB Cup against Sydney at Manuka Oval.
"Sixteen out (injured) is probably going to make it difficult. I've said all along, really, Round 1 (of the home-and-away season) is our main focus," Eade said.
"There are probably four or five blokes who could probably play next week, but it's just not worth the risk at this stage."
Eade says injured star Luke Darcy could play in the NAB Cup if the Dogs get through the first week, but ruled him out of playing against Sydney.
The club also anticipates the return of Adam Cooney, Chris Grant, Ryan Hargrave, Nathan Eagleton, Matthew Robbins and Peter Street in week two of the cup.
But it will hold off on bringing Robert Murphy and Mitch Hahn back until at least week three.
Aker adds bark and bite
17 February 2007 Herald-Sun
Gareth Trickey
JASON Akermanis laced up his playing boots and had an immediate on-field impact as the Western Bulldogs slugged it out in an intra-club match at Whitten Oval yesterday.
The star pre-season recruit drew plaudits from coach Rodney Eade, who praised the former Lion for his leadership and work ethic.
"His (Akermanis) unselfishness and ability to set up goals was good," Eade said. "He's taken it upon himself to get further into that role as far as educating our players."
There was plenty of animated and intense talk from Akermanis to his teammates, and he was among the standouts with Andrew MacDougall and seasoned performers Brad Johnson and Scott West.
But Eade, who played down early premiership talk, was less flattering about the team as a whole, describing the display as "rusty".
TAB Sportsbet has the Bulldogs at $9, sixth in betting behind West Coast, Fremantle, Adelaide, Sydney and St Kilda.
"The way we played today, the expectations won't be too high, I don't think," Eade said.
"Anyone talking about higher honours for us, well, it's probably just in hope more than anything at this stage."
He was also low key about next Saturday's opening round of the NAB Cup against Sydney at Manuka Oval.
"Sixteen out (injured) is probably going to make it difficult. I've said all along, really, Round 1 (of the home-and-away season) is our main focus," Eade said.
"There are probably four or five blokes who could probably play next week, but it's just not worth the risk at this stage."
Eade says injured star Luke Darcy could play in the NAB Cup if the Dogs get through the first week, but ruled him out of playing against Sydney.
The club also anticipates the return of Adam Cooney, Chris Grant, Ryan Hargrave, Nathan Eagleton, Matthew Robbins and Peter Street in week two of the cup.
But it will hold off on bringing Robert Murphy and Mitch Hahn back until at least week three.