The worst thing about writing up these things is that the teams aren’t officially announced until just before the game… like last night, Steele Sidebottom was one to watch – but they didn’t pick him! Oh well… here are some names of interest:

Essendon Bombers: After last week’s magnificent performance, I an keeping my eyes firmly placed on Hayden Skipworth (MID/FWD, $196,600). For that price, and his 99 last week, he is in the Warne Dawgs – and plenty of other DT’s I would imagine. Adam McPhee (FWD/DEF, $332,100) always excites me! And in DT this year, could prove to be a bargain. All of the signs point to him having a bigger year than ‘08 – plenty of cheap DT stats and getting yourself back to where us coaches loved you heaps! Scott Gumbleton (FWD, $86,600) is a basement priced player that has been attracting plenty of attention. He needs these NAB Cup games to get himself all happening for the big time… in which he should play from Round 1 onwards. Maybe it could be take two for David Zaharakis (MID, $86,600) and get a chance to show his wares on the Telstra Dome. Also, Scott Lucas (FWD, $222,800) has the mega discount because of injury… he will definately be a value adder, but will his body hold up?

Brisbane Lions: All eyes will be on Daniel Rich (MID, $126,600) again. Very promising last week and expect the same again – maybe with extra confidence. Cement him in for Round 1! Bradd Dalziell (MID, $420,300) is mega expensive but my god is he a DTer! He could possibly be one of the greatest DT players in 5 years time… watch out Jimbob Bartel! A lot of people may have been turned off by Jed Adcock (BAC/MID, $313,800) in his last outing – especially when he looks to be a bargain in the backline. We want him to capture that form of a couple of years ago… get loose! Noone will touch Albert Proud (MID, $223,800) but we can see what could have been last year, after we all locked him in following a stellar NAB Cup campaign. Oh and don’t forget my boy – Jared Brennan (FWD/MID, $373,700).