Shaun Grigg speaks to the media about the NAB Cup clash against North Melbourne.
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CARLTON has named a strong squad for its opening NAB Cup clash against North Melbourne on Friday but there will be plenty of opportunities for newcomers to showcase their talents, according to Shaun Grigg.
Blue-chip stars Chris Judd, Brendan Fevola and Nick Stevens have been named, but so too have youngsters Chris Yarran, Mitch Robinson and Jeffery Garlett, none of whom have played a game for the Blues.
"Most of our senior blokes are playing, but we've still got six or seven new blokes as well," Grigg said on Wednesday.
"That's really exciting for us and the young blokes are going to go out there at a 100 miles an hour which will give the senior blokes a lift as well.
"We're still a young team that is developing together and the more games we play together, I suppose the more expectation [there will be] on us.
"But we see that as a challenge and we look forward to it."
Brad Fisher has overcome a dislocated elbow and will take his place in the 29-man squad alongside Matthew Kreuzer (hip), Richard Hadley (groin), Michael Jamison (shoulder) and Paul Bower (shoulder) who have all shaken off injuries arising out of last season.
Robert Warnock (foot), Heath Scotland (calf), Andrew Walker (shoulder), Andrew Carrazzo (arm) and Adam Hartlett (knee) will be absentees.
This season shapes as a big one for 20-year-old Grigg who played 20 games in 2008, but the former second-round draft pick isn't looking too far ahead. "I'll just go about business as usual," he said.
"The more you play in the seniors the more you feel you belong. At the start you're just trying to develop and become a regular senior player, but after you're there for a bit you just want to win and make sure you can do anything for the team.
"We've got wonderful coaches down there that have been awesome AFL players like Craig Bradley, Matthew Lappin and Robert Harvey.
"They have a chat to you for five minutes each and you become a 20 per cent better player just from that. I'll just use what we have down there and hope I contribute to a few more wins."
Dream Team watch – Shaun Grigg is rated a $265,300 midfielder in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
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