NORTHERN Blues senior coach Josh Fraser was full of praise for the showings of some Carlton-listed players in yesterday’s practice match.

Fraser’s Northern side played out a 7.4 (46) draw against Collingwood at Olympic Park Oval, with the Pies pegging back a Blues outfit who led for the majority of the contest.

Despite not getting the win in the practice match, Fraser said the Blues could take positives out of the “little wins” on the day.

Not least was the performance of Jack Silvagni, who spent the majority of the match stationed in the clinches.

“I really liked Jack Silvagni’s game. He played a really solid game through the midfield, with some hits up forward,” Fraser said.

“It was his competitiveness around the contest which really stood out.

“Our effort around the contest and willingness to apply pressure was strong.”

Silvagni finished the day with 23 disposals and 16 tackles to go with his classy goal in the second quarter.

He wasn’t the only Blue to feature prominently on the day, with Alex Fasolo (15 disposals) playing his first game for the year and returning with aplomb. The new recruit was joined by Levi Casboult as the most-effective targets up forward.

“It was his first match for the year and Alex Fasolo displayed some real glimpses, he ran the game out. He showed some of his touch, hit the scoreboard and his forward pressure up there was quite strong,” he said.

“Levi with three goals showed his presence in the air, as well as Matthew Lobbe (36 hitouts) in the ruck.”

Having led by 21 points late in the third term, the Blues were overrun by Collingwood late in the piece. A Casboult snap in the final minute of the last quarter hit the post, ending the contest in a draw.

With still five weeks to go before the VFL home-and-away season commences, Fraser said the VFL side would continue to give exposure to its emerging group.

Sixteen players in yesterday’s side were aged 21-or-under, with nine Carlton players featuring in the 26-man side.

“We fielded a really young side, so it was going to be interesting to see how they jelled. For the most part, there were really pleasing signs,” he said.

“We’ll welcome some players back next week and build synergy with the group — our first game for four points in the VFL is in line with Round 4 of the AFL.”

Collingwood           2.0     3.0     5.0      7.4 (46)
Northern Blues      2.1     4.2     7.3      7.4 (46)

GOALS
Northern Blues: Casboult 3, Brazier, Fasolo, Silvagni, Williams

BESTS
Northern Blues: Silvagni, Fisher, Casboult, Lobbe, Goddard