The Pies, Dons and Dogs will kick off the NAB Cup. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library
FOOTY is just one sleep away, with Essendon, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs set to ignite the NAB Cup. So, what should we look forward to from their triangular series?
SuperFooty takes a look.
ESSENDON
How will the Bombers react after their two weeks from hell?
THERE are infinite questions surrounding the Bombers' arrival tomorrow night. What mental state will the players be in following two weeks of front and back page media scrutiny following their drugs scandal?
What reception will Hirdy get? How will the fans react? Will the opposition players get stuck into them? Is this side in the right frame of mind to play footy?
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Will they look to make a statement or use the NAB Cup for what its worth – an experimentation tool?
This will be enthralling to witness. From an on-field perspective, Bomber fans must be disappointed they have to wait for their first look at Joey Daniher, but at least Brendon Goddard will be unleashed.
And for SuperCoaches out there, keep an eye on mature-aged recruits Dylan Van Unen (Frankston VFL) and Nick Kommer (WAFL). Youngster Nick O'Brien has also caught the eye this summer and could impress.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 14: Coach James Hird walks back to the club rooms during a Essendon Bombers AFL training session at Windy Hill on February 14, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Keep an eye on the young and the old
IT'S all about two players when the Dogs take the stage for their pair of lightning encounters – the youngest in Jackson Macrae and one of the oldest in Dale Morris.
Both are ripping stories for polarising reasons. Macrae, the prized No. 6 draft pick, represents hope and optimism for Bulldog fans after two seasons of pain. Morris, one of the most popular stars at the kennel, will provide a spark when he runs out for his first game in 18 months after horrifically snapping his leg – also against Essendon.
It's a remarkable comeback and a much anticipated debut – even if it only is February.
Watch for a beefed-up Macrae's freakish sidestep and elite vision, while all eyes will also be on Adam Cooney after a faultless summer.
From a SuperCoach perspective, Brett Goodes is the man to zero in on. If he takes another step towards a Round 1 debut, pencil him in.
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Western Bulldogs training at the Whitten oval., Dale Morris during training Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library
COLLINGWOOD
Q-Stick and the game plan - are they really all the rage?
THE Magpies have chosen an impressive squad and after the buzz surrounding the Q-Stick all summer, keep your eyes glued on the former Eagles spearhead.
Quinten Lynch will partner Travis Cloke in attack for the first time (if they play in the same match) and it will be fascinating to see how the new-look one-two punch attack fires.
Brent Maccaffer and Andrew Krakouer are also fit and firing after a full pre-season following their knee-plagued 2012s, while Collingwood's trio of VFL rookies will be on show.
Jack Frost, a key defender highly rated for his ability to spoil, classy midfielder Sam Dwyer who is a pure footballer and goalkicking onballer Kyle Martin are in the squad and are looking impressive.
If they can fire and ramp up competition for places at the Pies this year it'll add another dangerous ingredient into Nathan Buckley's quest for a premiership.
Players aside, it'll be fascinating to get a glimpse at the revamped game plan under Bucks. Direct, down the guts and rapid ball movement is the word filtering out of the Westpac Centre.
And lastly, Ben Hudson v good mate Robert Murphy and his old mob the Western Bulldogs. Bring on the footy.
Stay tuned for reasons to watch the other triangular series this weekend, featuring Geelong, Fremantle, West Coast on Saturday night and St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Adelaide on Sunday.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Quinten Lynch kicks the ball during a Collingwood Magpies AFL session at Westpac Centre on February 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library
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