Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney has listed five players that need a severe lift in round three.

5. MARCUS BONTEMPELLI (WB)

At the bottom of the list he started with young Bulldogs midfielder, Marcus Bontempelli. 

The 'Bont' acquired a measly 18 disposals against GWS in round one, well below his average, also scraping through a behind. His second game against the Eagles at Etihad stadium wasn't too much better, with a total of 23 disposals and a goal.

Yet his presence simply was not as imposing as you would usually expect from the young Dog.

As both Lachie Hunter and Jack Macrae stood out in both games, you would expect Bontempelli to exceed them both in round three, for the bulldogs to overcome a tough Essendon outfit.

4. JAKE STRINGER (ESS)

Next on the list is former Bulldog Jake Stringer, who is yet to capture any of the form that saw him tantalise the footballing world in 2016.

Round one was an overall great performance from the Bombers, outclassing the grand finalists, yet Stringer was of no importance at all.

With only six kicks and one behind, he failed to have any impact on the game whatsoever, especially offensively, which is what he is known for.

Round two was significantly worse with only nine disposals in a shock loss to the Dockers at the new Optus Stadium.

In his upcoming game against his former side, an outstanding performance is really needed to get the Bombers convincingly over the line.

3. JAKE LEVER (MELB)

Cooney then singles out new Melbourne defender Jake Lever.

Their opening game against the Cats was a tightly fought contest in which they could have received the four points, if it wasn't for a wayward Max Gawn set shot.

It was a poor defensive effort from both sides, but Lever failed to take any marks in his defensive 50 and provide any run off half back as he had in the previous season at the Crows.

In a better round two for the Demons at the Gabba, Lever still hadn't shown anything he had previously. With only nine kicks and four marks, his performance was only marginally better.

2. JOE DANIHER (ESS)

Joe Daniher also features on Cooney's list.

The Essendon tall forward booted two goals and one behind in their opening round win. His second round was much less enthralling, with one behind and three marks. For a key forward, Daniher must become a viable target inside 50.

If he's not converting, he at the least must be taking contested marks and imposing himself on the contest.

1. EDDIE BETTS (ADEL)

Finally, Cooney outs Adelaide's Eddie Betts. He is an immense asset at the forward flank, being able to kick goals from the most obscure angles.

Yet his round one didn't see any of those goals we seem to now expect of Betts. He had 14 disposals, which for a forward is okay, but if he isn't converting nor crumbing the packs then it is understandable that Cooney has placed him on this list.

In the grand final rematch, Adelaide simply outclassed the Tigers at Adelaide Oval, although Betts didn't feature on the goal kicking list. He did obtain 20 disposals, so he did have a fair bit of the ball, but once again he couldn't convert.

Hopefully this list in its entirety is able to lift their game for round three and make a significant impact.