NAB Cup 2013

[Go_Dogs]

So, we kick off on 15 Feb, not too long now (thankfully!).

Having a look at our matches, we've got Collingwood and Essendon in the first week, Hawthorn in week 2 and finish up with Freo. Some tough opponents but also a good chance for our guys to play against some hardened opposition. I expect all 4 sides to be up and about early in the season after their respectively disappointing ends to 2012.


Who are the 3 players you're most looking forward to seeing in the NAB Cup in our opening matches and why?

For mine, it's Cooney to see how he's moving, Stringer because we all want to see this man out there as soon as possible and Clay Smith who I really can't wait to see in action beating up on much more experienced players, who will one day soon dread playing against our midfield.

[AndrewP6]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

Stringer - there's been a lot said about him, I'm interested to see what he can bring to the side, and how he goes about his work.

Lower/Stevens - don't really know much about either, look forward to seeing what they can offer us.

Coons - just to see if he can get anywhere near some good form, and have a decent run at staying on the park.

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

Roberts/Stringer:
To emerge as the two key forwards that we so desperately need.
Murphy:
To at long last show his brilliance at half forward.
Campbell:
To continue to emerge as a talented ruckman and with Minson give us a powerful following division.

[Bornadog]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

I want to see how the big guys perform.

The three draftees of 2008, Roughead, Cordy and Jones

[Greystache]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

Campbell- I thought he showed a lot last year off half a preseason. After another year in the system I think he can make an impact.

Roberts- Forward or back I'm keen to see if another preason of running and gym work will give us a hint of his potential

Stevens- To see if he can potentially add to our team.

[lemmon]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

Time for Cordy to show that he can clunk them in the front 50 consistently. Would love to see young Macrae get a bit of a run off a flank, class with the footy is something we desperately need

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

Feels like I could list about twenty players such is our inexperienced and developing list, but I'll list these three:

Jason Johannisen - Big fan of JJ's, I really think he can become a very good player at the top level. He has all the attributes to make him a dangerous player, particularly in a side like ours. Quick, skillful, takes the game on and makes good decisions. His improvement trend has been swift considering how raw he was when he first arrived at the club, so I'll be interested to see how he performs in the NAB Cup given it's his third year in the system and first year on the senior list. It'll be interesting to see where he plays -- be it half back or wing. There's a case to be made for both, and although playing off HB is a good learning curve, I think he could be a damaging winger.

Clay Smith - His disposal by foot is his biggest weakness and the one area that will hold him back from becoming something special, but his work ethic is phenomenal. The fact that the coaching staff have regularly pointed out Smith as a 'model' to the rest of the group (including senior players) is a real testament to his character. His game improved a lot in the second half of last year, and it's clear he's been one of the best pre-season performers. Looks a lot bigger and stronger, and like Griff above, can't wait to see him hit some packs. I think he's a unique player, ruthless underestimates how damn ferocious this guy is.

Shaun Higgins - No secret that his debut year was super impressive and his 2009 was classy. Having watched over a few games from that year recently, his potential is obvious. I thought he showed some solid signs in the latter part of 2012 so hopefully with a full pre-season he can push into the midfield and become a complete player. If he doesn't do it this year, for whatever reason (injuries/form), it's hard to see him ever doing it. The reports have been positive though so I'll watch with interest. I guess, though, that Shaun has been a front runner in pre-seasons gone past so it's more about how he performs in the real season than the NAB cup.

Notable mentions go to Roberts and Talia who I both really like and Stringer, although my expectations of Jake are low for his first year.

[always right]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

Cooney: We can only hope he gets back to somewhere near his best

Jones: The great white hope up forward.

Morris: Be interesting to see if he has lost a yard.

[F'scary]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

Impossible to narrow it down to 3 specific players, so I have put down 3 classes of players.

1. All new comers to the list: ND recruits, trades, delisted free-agent signing, etc.
2. Players returning from serious injury: i.e., the Coon Dog & Morris.
3. Forwards who couldn't kick accurately for goal last year (to see if they've improved their kicking): Grant, Jones, Cordy.

[LostDoggy]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

Talia - the loss of Lake is huge and we need Talia to take giant steps this year. If he matures at the rate of his brother, I will be very happy.
Cordy - will he won't he make it?
Hrovat - speed around the contest? Yes please.

[LostDoggy]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

1. Tom Young - Not quite sure where he fits
2. Redpath - Offering?
3. Greenwood - As above

[Ghost Dog]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

JJ: Should be able to cut it up at this level, and is fun to watch.
Clay Smith: see above
Tom Cambell: I rate him a little higher than others. Think he will be a breakout player.

[Missing-Dog]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

1. Tom Young - Not quite sure where he fits
2. Redpath - Offering?
3. Greenwood - As above

Agree with seeing what these guys can offer compared to the others, although Redpath is huge :s


Would Like to see if Cooney can move around freely and actually exctited about seeing Macrae play. Looks very classy and movement through traffic seems to be very very good at such a young age.. Could have another Pendlebury type here imo (no pressure offcourse )

[Cyberdoggie]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

There is always plenty to see but i guess a lot depends on how much the coaches rotate the squad.

Most likely hood is that the fringe players will get 1 game or part there of.

So i guess 3 that i'll look to see improvement in are:

1. Daniel Pearce: Looking to see a fitter larger player ready to mix with seniors.

2. Roughead: Has finally got a pre-season into his arms and looks to have some muscle for once. Might surprise a few.

3. Hrovat: This kid will be a our best first year player (of the kids),

[Doc26]

Re: NAB Cup 2013

Not so much about seeing 3 players in particular but eager to see improvement in 4 facets of our game from 2012.
1. Our kicking disposal effectiveness
2. Our ability to spread from a stoppage
3. Providing a strong (& tall) and reliable presence in the forward fifty
4. Our second half fade outs

Like a few others have mentioned, keen to see Hrovat's fit and development. Have high hopes on him and reckon we got him for a steal.