ANGUS Schumacher was the pick of a nine-man bunch in the Northern Blues’ victory over Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday.

As one of nine teenagers in Northern’s line-up, Schumacher played a critical role in defence as Northern prevailed by 29 points. 

Schumacher recorded a career-high 23 disposals, six rebound 50s and kicked a goal in what was his best performance for the season.

Northern Blues senior coach Josh Fraser was full of praise for the rebounding defender, saying Schumacher was one of a number of key contributors to the win.

“‘Schuey’ is a young defender who’s still learning his craft and learning to play against AFL-type bodies,” Fraser said.

“I think his composure with ball-in-hand yesterday was a standout and he’s starting to assume more responsibility as a defender.

“His game from Round 1 this year to where it is now has improved enormously.”

Schumacher was one of just eight Carlton-listed players to front up in yesterday’s win, which reduced to seven in the opening 10 minutes as Kym Lebois was struck down with injury.

Northern’s young brigade wouldn’t relent against Werribee’s mature bodies, with Schumacher joined by Tom De Koning and Jarrod Garlett from last year’s national draft class.

“There’s a lot of discussion about the development of our club, and there are a lot of good things happening,” Fraser said. 

“Schumacher and Tom De Koning — they’re just a couple of our young players who we feel are really improving their footy. 

“Angus will keep getting better from here, we want to make sure he finishes the year off well which will give him some good momentum heading into the pre-season.”

Schumacher has led the Northern Blues for rebound 50s, notching up his 50th for the season at the weekend. He’s 13 ahead of VFL-listed veteran Josh Hill in second place. 

Fraser said the challenge would continue being put to the side’s younger players across the final five weeks of the season, particularly as the AFL injury toll continues to mount.

“What we’ve seen over the last month to six weeks from a young group has been continual growth, even if we haven’t necessarily got the results,” Fraser said.

“Internally, we’re seeing so many things that we like and we’re going to keep building on. The consistency of effort and the belief they’re starting to build enabled us to get a win yesterday.”

The Northern Blues play their final game at Ikon Park for 2018 this Saturday against Frankston.