Individuals who are prepared to step out of their comfort zone and into the unknown.

For Daniel Krogh, season 2008 offers one such challenge.

Born and bred a soccer player, Krogh knows every blade of grass of the Coota Strikers’ home pitch of Mitchell Park.

It’s not only because he’s played the game since he was five, Krogh grew up across the road from Mitchell Park and has spent

countless hours fine-tuning his skills with his brothers.

However, in 2008 Krogh will swap the round ball for the far more unpredictable oval version, the red Sherrin, and tomorrow he will take his place on the field as the Cootamundra Blues open their ACTAFL season with a home game against Belconnen.

Krogh is just one of a number of new recruits to the Blues ranks this season and, based on his

performances at training, could quickly establish himself as a key player.

Built low to the ground, Krogh may often give away height to his direct opponents, but rarely will he be beaten for skill or agility.

A natural right-footer, soccer has demanded Krogh is capable with both feet and he could easily slot into the Blues’ midfield.

He has adapted well to the challenges of training and can’t wait for the first bounce tomorrow.

“I’m biting at the bullet,” he said.

“We’ve been training for a while now, so it will finally be good to get out there in the game situation.

“I’m a bit nervous, but I always get nervous before a game.”

Krogh said one of the reasons for his switch in codes was to

challenge himself.

“I wanted to try something

different, something that would give me a new enthusiasm with my sport.

“I’ve always wanted to try Rules and I like watching it on tele.

“The fact that it’s Saturday footy appeals to me as well.”

While Krogh would have loved the chance to explore the

intricacies of the code in a trial game, a couple of contact sessions have given him an idea of what to expect come 1pm tomorrow.

“I think one of the biggest

differences will be there will be a lot more communication between players,” he said.

“You have to think further ahead than in soccer and communication is vital.

“I expect it to be more physically demanding, especially if I am playing on the ball and there’s the physical side to the sport as well.”

While Krogh has spent much of the pre-season getting to know his new team-mates, he will have one familiar face lining up alongside him this year, with Nathan Bussenschutt also swapping his shinpads for a sleeveless jumper.

“It’s going to be great having Buzzy alongside me,” he said.

“He convinced me to play soccer again last year, so this year I’ve convinced him to have a crack at Rules.

“I reckon he will be suited to the game.”

The Blues won’t be handed any favours for their opening game of the season, with Belconnen

having dealt out a 171-point

lesson to Cooma in round one.