Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser assesses the performances of all Carlton-listed players who featured in the 81-point VFL loss to Essendon on Saturday:
49. Dennis Armfield
Stats: 20 disposals, 7 marks, 4 rebound 50s
From the coach: It was an improved performance from Dennis. He had more impact with his running, both when we had the ball and defensively, while also being clean with the footy. He put together a pretty strong game.
Dennis Armfield was back to his best on Saturday. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
56. Andrew Gallucci
Stats: 10 disposals, 3 inside 50s
From the coach: We need to see more turn of speed from him as a small forward. He’s been working hard on being ready to anticipate and get forward of the ball at the right time. He didn’t impact the contest on what was largely a difficult day for our forwards.
34. Jesse Glass-McCasker
Stats: 9 disposals, 6 rebound 50s
From the coach: There’s been some good growth in the last fortnight. His awareness and positioning has allowed him to compete and be cleaner in pressure situations. We need him to keep building on the signs which he has shown in the last two weeks.
50. Daniel Gorringe
Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks, 1 goal
From the coach: He had some good moments, particularly early, where he gave us an option forward of the ball while also spending some time in the ruck. We need him to build consistency, so we can see more of his good stuff through his running capabilities.
48. Kristian Jaksch
Stats: 12 disposals, 8 marks, 4 inside 50s
From the coach: He started really well when we were getting some supply forward. As the game wears on, he needs to find more ways to influence the game when the ball’s not in the area. When he’s in a one-on-one situation, he’s a dangerous player for us.
80. Matthew Korcheck
Stats: 3 disposals, 21 hitouts
From the coach: Big Matty would’ve learnt a lot against Leuenberger, someone with nearly 150 games of AFL experience. He had moments where he competed well but he needs to become more consistent and confident in his positioning around the ground to provide us a target.
76. Kym Lebois
Stats: 5 disposals
From the coach: As a small forward it was a tough day. He had some missed opportunities where he was in good positions but got bypassed in the play. Having said that, he needs to find more ways to involve himself in the game, whether it’s at the drop of the contest or in pressuring the ball.
Kym Lebois in action against Essendon. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
19. Harry McKay
Stats: 17 disposals, 5 marks, 3 inside 50s
From the coach: A slightly different role for Harry, who again started forward and got his hands on it but couldn’t hang on, which he needs to complete. He went in the ruck late for us and we thought he competed really well with his follow-up work.
Harry McKay competed strongly on Saturday. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
70. Harrison Macreadie
Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 3 rebound 50s
From the coach: I thought his game was really good. He showed great courage and used the ball well while finding more of it than he has in recent weeks. His positioning allowed him to have the impact he did.
24. Rhys Palmer
Stats: 18 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 clearances
From the coach: He started OK, but I think by his own admission he didn’t give us enough of his strengths. He’s got some clear focuses going into this week. He’s been a quality player for us at VFL level this year and we’re backing him in to bounce back.
38. Jarrod Pickett
Stats: 9 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal
From the coach: I thought he was fairly involved, although he needs to build consistency over four quarters. He shows a really good turn of speed at the right time. The next step he needs to take is becoming more composed with ball in hand.
47. Ciaran Sheehan
Stats: 20 disposals, 5 marks, 6 rebound 50s
From the coach: Probably an indifferent game from ‘Gussy’, who didn’t defend with the same speed he has at VFL level. We think he’ll be able to reset and get back to that kind of footy, offering aspects of his game which he prides himself on with his disposal and his work in the one-on-one contests.
