The NAB Cup is underway for 2012 and with Club’s first hit-out complete, westernbulldogs.com.au looks at the Bulldogs that have given Toyota AFL Dream Team coaches some early food for thought.

Matthew Boyd was the standout Dream Team performer across both Greater Western Sydney and Collingwood fixtures, amassing a mammoth 145 Dream Team points, the highest individual score in the NAB Cup competition so far this season.

Despite his $573,800 price tag, Boyd is still shoo-in for many Dream Teamers with ability to rack-up the big numbers still providing significant bang for buck.

Another Bulldogs veteran who made their case on the weekend was forward Daniel Giansiracusa.

While Giansiracusa didn’t quite tip the century, the Bulldogs veteran still managed 98 points while slotting just the one major.

Giansiracusa averaged 2.2 goals in Season 2011 with a career high 5 goals against Geelong in Round 11.

The return of defender Ryan Hargrave did not go unnoticed after missing for the majority of the 2011 Season rehabilitating a foot and an ankle injury.

His performance on Saturday night saw him collect 94 Dream Team points over the two games and looked very comfortable holding down a key post in defence.

Hargrave’s time off the AFL radar has seen his Dream Team price tag plummet to $232,700, making him a potential steal if his early pre-season form transfers into the AFL Premiership Season.

Leading the younger brigade, Tom Liberatore continued where he left-off in 2011 accumulating 83 Dream Team points during Saturday’s outing.

Growing in maturity on the field, the second-year midfielder is a clearance specialist and will likely have an increased role through the centre of the ground in 2012.

Christian Howard is another youngster that has benefited from a solid preseason, sweeping across half-back in both NAB Cup clashes and in the process collecting an noteworthy 75 Dream Team points.

Priced at $251,400 he is one to watch over the preseason and his form indicates that he will see more senior footy in 2012.

Forward livewire Zephaniah Skinner was a highlight of the NAB Cup opener with two goals against GWS.

Developing through the VFL last year, Skinner’s application to training caught the eye of the coaching staff this pre-season and could see him rewarded with senior football in 2012.

Skinner’s vertical leap was put on show on multiple occasions last Saturday and he’ll be another young Bulldog for Dream Team coaches to watch at the bargain price of $104,200.

Skinner played just the one match against the GWS Giants on Saturday, collecting 53 Dream Team points.

Emerging big man Jordan Roughead is also one to watch as he looks to solidify a permanent role in the senior side.

Given a run in the Collingwood clash, Roughead collected 53 Dream Team points and 10 hit-outs  - more than his opponent and premiership ruckman Darren Jolly.

The departure of Ben Hudson will see Roughead push for regular senior selection and with the moderate price tag of $283,600 provides much upside.

Throughout the NAB Cup and AFL Premiership Season, westernbulldogs.com.au will provide Dream Teamers with a weekly round-up of the Bulldogs’ fantasy football exploits.