NAB Cup in reach as Grant beats OP

WESTERN Bulldogs forward Jarrad Grant has his sights set on next year's NAB Cup, having overcome the bout of osteitis pubis that ruined his debut season.

Grant, 19, managed seven games for Williamstown seniors before he was cut down by an early onset of the debilitating groin condition in late May.

He resumed running in September and is now on track to participate in the Bulldogs' pre-season campaign, which kicks off on February 13 against Essendon in Darwin.

"I've been in the gym a fair bit, trying to put on some kilos and just doing a lot of core work and trying to get the muscles around my groin area stronger and to function better, so it doesn't occur again," he told westernbulldogs.com.au.

"Now it's good. I haven't had any pain, any soreness, and I'm just keeping a close eye on it and trying to get all the recovery bits right to fix it up.

"I'll just get through training and see how that goes, then hopefully I can have a run around in the NAB Cup next year."

Grant was selected by the Bulldogs at No. 5 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft and is yet to make his debut.

Click here to read the full story on Grant's tumultuous first year.