NORTHERN Blues coach Josh Fraser assesses the performances of all Carlton-listed players who featured in the win over Sandringham at Preston City Oval on Saturday:
Levi Casboult
Stats: 13 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals, 32 hit-outs
From the coach: It was a really pleasing game from Levi. He played a split between forward and ruck, and he has a strong presence in and around stoppages. Some of his follow-up work was terrific. He was also able to take some contested marks and hit the scoreboard, it was one of his better games for a while.
Jesse Glass-McCasker
Stats: 10 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals
From the coach: Jesse’s form as a forward has been pretty exciting. He’s shown a clean pair of hands, while his follow-up and tackle efforts were as good as we’ve seen from him. He’d be looking to finish the season off strongly as a key forward.
Jesse Glass-McCasker has shown positive signs in the forward line. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
Patrick Kerr
Stats: 8 disposals, 2 goals
From the coach: It was a quieter day for Patty, but he still managed to compete in the air and apply some pressure at ground level. His effort to chase was pretty good. He kicked a couple of really nice goals from the boundary line, but some of his marking craft was a bit off at the weekend.
Harrison Macreadie
Stats: 13 disposals, 3 marks
From the coach: ‘Creads’ had some really good moments defensively — he was part of a back seven who organised and set up behind the ball really well. He needs to become consistent with some fundamentals and defensive actions, but his good stuff is really good. We’re challenging him to put it together for longer.
Cillian McDaid
Stats: 6 disposals, 1 goal
From the coach: It was an exciting moment when he kicked his first goal. Cillian has come off such a low base in terms of minutes played, so it’s great to get some footy into him. He keeps showing some little signs of his hardness at the ball and his flair with it.
Get around the Irishman!
— Northern Blues FC (@NBluesFC) August 20, 2018
The celebrations for Cillian McDaid's maiden goal were brilliant. #Northbound #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/vA0sauk7t7
Cameron O’Shea
Stats: 25 disposals, 7 tackles, 6 inside 50s
From the coach: He’s been playing as an inside mid — his bullocking work around the ball and his work-rate between contests has been terrific. He’s given us a real presence around stoppages and allowed some of our other midfielders to get to work in other areas.
Jarrod Pickett
Stats: 8 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 goal
From the coach: I liked some of his forward 50 pressure. Consistency is the big thing for him going forward, being able to reproduce his good stuff over and over again in-game. He showed glimpses of his talent but we’re looking for more consistency from him.
Angus Schumacher
Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 4 rebound 50s
From the coach: ’Schuey’ spent a bit of time on the wing. In terms of our structure and what we expect from our wingers, he was pretty compliant and executed that well. The next step would be winning more of the ball and show us more of his ability to change angles and run-and-carry with the ball. He’s had good exposure as a defender and now through the middle, which will help his footy.
Matthew Shaw
Stats: 22 disposals, 3 clearances
From the coach: It was a really good game from Matt Shaw: he was part of that back-line which contributed strongly behind the ball. I thought he defended well one-on-one and most pleasingly he played to his strengths by being able to run-and-carry and use the ball well for us. He should take confidence from his game.