Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser assesses the performances of every Carlton-listed player who featured in the VFL loss to Box Hill at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday:

David Cuningham
Stats: 25 disposals, 8 inside 50s, 7 clearances, 1 goal
From the coach: He played with real speed and burst on the weekend, and he was able to set up a number of scoring opportunities going forward. He also used the ball well throughout the day. It was a really pleasing return to action for him.


David Cuningham starred for the Northern Blues in his return from a hamstring injury. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)

Jesse Glass-McCasker
Stats: 6 disposals
From the coach: Jesse had a job on one of Box Hill’s key talls, and he had some good moments where he left his opponent and intercepted the ball. For Jesse, we’ll continue to challenge building consistent habits over four quarters.

Matthew Lobbe
Stats: 9 disposals, 26 hitouts, 1 goal
From the coach: Matty battled hard in the ruck, and he also used his run to get forward at the right time and ended up hitting the scoreboard in the end. His communication and leadership among our younger group is really important for us and he gave that on the weekend.

Andrew Phillips
Stats: 6 disposals, 19 hitouts, 1 goal
From the coach: He had a couple of really strong contested marks and spoils in aerial contests, while he rucked well and also kicked a goal in the third quarter. He continues to work really hard on finding more footy around the ground. 


Andrew Phillips in action against Box Hill. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)

Cameron Polson
Stats: 13 disposals
From the coach: Cameron played with good speed and urgency for the most part: he found himself at drop-of-ball where he tackled well and gave good energy. He’s beginning to back up his footy by the week and is building good habits. 


Youngster Cameron Polson continues to build his game. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)

Angus Schumacher
Stats: 17 disposals, 5 rebound 50s
From the coach: A young defender who is improving each week, his awareness of when to defend is getting better, as is his ball use and his ability to run off his man. He’s rounding off his game by the week, and we’ll continue to challenge him against the best forwards the VFL has to offer. 

Jack Silvagni
Stats: 14 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal
From the coach: Jack found himself spending more time forward this week, where he had good moments with leading patterns and took a strong contested mark which led to a goal. He also spent time on the inside where he was strong at the contest.

Jacob Weitering
Stats: 17 disposals, 10 marks, 6 rebound 50s
From the coach: ‘Weiters’ had the job on Schoenmakers, where he was really strong one-on-one and was able to leave him at the right time to intercept and impact. His direction and leadership in the back half was fantastic.


Jacob Weitering produced another impressive VFL performance on Saturday. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)

Tom Williamson
Stats: 12 disposals
From the coach: In his first game for the year, Tommy played a half and got himself involved early which was good to see. He’ll continue to build as he gets more football under his belt. It was great to have him back in action.