Senior coach Josh Fraser analyses the game of the Carlton-listed players who featured in the Northern Blues’ 31-point victory over North Ballarat.
51. Blaine Boekhorst
Stats: 30 disposals (13 contested), 9 marks, 6 inside 50s, 3 goals
From the coach: He had a real impact on the game offensively, finishing with 30 and three goals. Missed a couple of opportunities early but really encouraged. Hopefully he can string some consistent form together.
Blaine Boekhorst was one of the stars for the Northern Blues against North Ballarat. (Photo: Shaun Kelly)
60. David Cuningham
Stats: 16 disposals (7 contested), 2 clearances
From the coach: He moved quite well around stoppages and in congestion in his first game for a while, found some ball in contested situations and had some involvement offensively. He’ll keep building his game time as the weeks go on.
Carlton youngster David Cuningham played his first game for the Northern Blues since Round 7 on Saturday. (Photo: Shaun Kelly)
26. Matthew Dick
Stats: 25 disposals (11 contested), 10 loose-ball gets
From the coach: He had a couple of opportunities on the high ball which he didn’t complete, but it was a solid game from him: he typically gave good support for others in our back seven.
20. Andrejs Everitt
Stats: 12 disposals, 7 marks, 4 loose-ball gets
From the coach: His work-rate was exceptional but didn’t always get the full reward: he ran hard to present and create. He had some important touches early in the game where we set up the win.
31. Jayden Foster
Stats: 11 disposals, 5 marks
From the coach: I think ‘Foz’ is improving each week, with his positioning as defender more consistent while his ability to use the ball cleanly from our back half was important.
34. Jesse Glass-McCasker
Stats: 6 disposals
From the coach: Jesse had some really good moments defensively and an important contest going back with the flight in the middle of ground. He showed some good signs that he was returning to his best footy.
18. Daniel Gorringe
Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks, 5 handball receives, 1 goal
From the coach: He missed a fair chunk of footy so the way he provided consistent target through his presentation was encouraging. He hit the scoreboard with a clever snap and looked like he got through unscathed, and he’ll continue to build game time.
Daniel Gorringe made a solid contribution for the Northern Blues against North Ballarat. (Photo: Shaun Kelly)
38. Billy Gowers
Stats: 16 disposals, 9 marks
From the coach: Part of our back seven, Billy again played an important role, where he broke lines offensively but also had some good moments defensively where he was able to impact the contest and get the ball going our way.
14. Liam Jones
Stats: 13 disposals, 5 marks
From the coach: I thought his game was pretty important in dictating the result. He was outnumbered in the air but either marked it or brought it to ground, and he continued to present up and worked back. He didn’t get scoreboard reward for effort but competed really hard all afternoon.
80. Matthew Korcheck
Stats: 6 disposals, 2 tackles, 26 hitouts
From the coach: Arguably one of Matty’s better games, where he competed well at centre bounces and worked around the ground to take marks and use his skill-set. There were quite a few pleasing, encouraging signs.
19. Harry McKay
Stats: 8 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals
From the coach: It was a really exciting time to get him on the park: he came on at quarter-time and crashed packs, found the ball and hit the scoreboard with two goals. For a first-up game, it was a good performance and he’ll continue to build from here.
67. Clem Smith
Stats: 8 disposals, 2 tackles
From the coach: Clem applied good pressure defensively and had some good moments offensive early, so the trick is to put it together for longer periods. He can build a good line of form, so he’s showing signs.
65. Dillon Viojo-Rainbow
Stats: 10 disposals, 2 tackles, 1 goal
From the coach: He started really well before he copped a heavy knock in the second quarter. He came back on after half-time and had an impact as a winger, where he kicked an important goal and used the ball well.
42.Mark Whiley
Stats: 38 disposals, 14 handball receives, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 2 goals
From the coach: Mark was typically was combative around the stoppages in-tight and he set us up on a number of occasions with clean hands and extracting ball out of congestion. I thought his game was terrific.
36. Cameron Wood
Stats: 9 disposals, 4 marks, 2 inside 50s, 24 hitouts
From the coach: ‘Woody’s’ game was quite strong, where along with Korcheck he gave us first use while he also looked dangerous forward too. He keeps trying to add to his game and more exposure forward will be beneficial for him.
