Harrison Macreadie has backed the Northern Blues to return to winning form sooner rather than later.
The Blues were unable to come away with the win against the top-of-the-table Box Hill, with inaccuracy late in the game plaguing Northern at a vital time.
Macreadie was one of the shining lights on the afternoon, collecting 20 disposals and providing a solid defensive shift against a potent Box Hill attack.
VFL player review: Every Carlton-listed player assessed
It was Macreadie’s best showing in the VFL since making his Northern debut in Round 4, following an impressive start to life at Carlton.
“I’m hoping to get back to the form from the start of the year. I’m just focused on defending well and playing my role for the team, there’s always room for improvement,” Macreadie said.
The impressive showing came just over a week after Macreadie agreed to a two-year contract extension at Carlton until the end of 2020.
“It’s very exciting, for both myself and my family. I’m very happy to be a Blue for longer,” Macreadie said.
“It’s the kind of place where I know I can keep improving as an individual both on and off the field.”
Northern Blues senior coach Josh Fraser said after a “frustrating” afternoon on the whole, Macreadie’s performance was definitely a positive to take from the game.
“I thought along with the trio of Cameron O’Shea, Luke Russell and our captain Tom Wilson, the game of Harrison Macreadie really stood out,” Fraser said.
“His defensive positioning off the ball was really good and he had some terrific spoils which cleared the area: if he can keep playing with that kind of edge, he’ll do his chances of selection no harm.”
The youngster said the Blues would have to build on the encouraging signs they showed in the loss, as well as refining aspects of their game which cost them on the weekend.
“We’ll always look to learn and grow: that was the message in the post-match,” Macreadie said.
“We need to get back to our winning form where we brought that pressure and effort. We had a glimpse of that on Sunday as well as being more meticulous with our skills.”
The Northern Blues host Port Melbourne this Saturday at Preston City Oval, with the game to be broadcast live on Channel 7.
