AFL / Tony Keen / 12 February 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now

Tony Keen selects four promising youngsters to keep your eye on in the NAB Cup this weekend.

Nic Naitanui (West Coast)

Taken with pick two in the 2008 national draft, Naitanui showed glimpses of his freakish talents during his ten matches last season and will be even better this year after another summer of learning the art of rucking.

With four-time All-Australian ruckman Dean Cox still recovering from an abdominal injury that restricted him to just 13 games in 2009, Naitanui will get plenty of opportunities during the NAB Cup to showcase his wares.

Jake Melksham (Essendon)

The Bombers' first pick in last year's national draft, and No. 10 overall, Melksham is a silky-skilled midfielder who wins his own football and covers the ground quickly.

The impressive 18-year-old will be out to impress coach Matthew Knights during the NAB Cup as he has set his sights on making his AFL debut in round one.

Phil Davis (Adelaide)

Selected by the Crows with pick 10 in the 2008 national draft, Davis made a slow start in his debut year as he recovered from shoulder surgery, but he came close to making his AFL debut after being named an emergency on a number of occasions.

The 19-year-old was originally recruited as a forward, but has impressed down back. He reads the game well and uses the football cleanly by hand and foot. A strong showing during the NAB Cup could see him earn a spot in the side for Adelaide's round one clash against Fremantle given that promising young defender Andy Otten won't play in 2010 due to a serious knee injury.

Dustin Martin (Richmond)

Recruited by the Tigers with pick three in last year's national draft, Martin is a powerfully built midfielder who possesses elite kicking skills and is capable of winning his own football.

The 18-year-old has impressed during pre-season training and looks to be a near certainty to play in the club's season opener against Carlton on March 25.