Before Christmas pre-season training saw the Bombers focus on their fitness but as the NAB Cup draws closer, assistant coach Matt Egan says that training will become more footy specific.

“There was no doubt before Christmas there was a lot of running focus and its exciting part for the coaches now to get back into the footy,” Egan said.

“We will be doing a lot more footy drills, footy specific sort of training and getting them prepared”.

Egan has been impressed by the dedication of the younger players of the club that have maintained their fitness during the Christmasbreak including Nick O’Brien who won the club’s time trial.

Draftee Joe Daniher has settled into the club since being drafted at selection ten in the national draft despite a hiccup with some minor knee surgery in the pre-season.

“He is a natural Joey, he is going to be really exciting for the future,” he said.

“He is still young and still developing after only playing 12 games last year at TAC Cup level.”

Egan is looking forward to seeing the young gun in theupcoming NAB Cup competition.

“He has still got a lot to learn, but there is no doubt when we get him up and about, his marking ability and being able to get shots ongoal will be a real asset for us”.

The first round of the NAB cup is set to begin on Friday the 15^th of February against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium.