NORTHERN Blues coach assesses the performances of every Carlton-listed player who feature in the VFL loss to Geelong at Ikon Park on Saturday:
Tom De Koning
Stats: 9 disposals, 6 marks (3 contested)
From the coach: There’s been some really exciting progress in Tommy’s game over the last few weeks. I’ve loved the way he’s launching for marks, and the growth in intensity in his running has been really pleasing while his second efforts are a strength. We’re excited by what he’s going to offer us going forward.
Jesse Glass-McCasker
Stats: 10 disposals, 3 rebound 50s
From the coach: Jesse could’ve had more of an impact if he completed some aerial marks and was cleaner with the ball, but he’s another player who is improving his defensive actions each week. We’re looking for him to take a big step in the second half of the season.
Nick Graham
Stats: 35 disposals (17 contested), 8 marks, 8 clearances
From the coach: Nick was as prolific as ever with contested ball, and ended up finishing with 35 disposals. He mixed his game between the midfield and forward line, and really led the way in stoppages and around the contests.
Nick Graham was prolific against Geelong. (Photo: Amy Paton)
Matthew Lobbe
Stats: 6 disposals, 32 hitouts, 5 tackles
From the coach: In terms of ruck work he did pretty well for the most part, finishing with over 30 hitouts. He had a big opportunity to have more impact around the ground. His focus will be to keep working hard aerially and finish his marking.
Matthew Lobbe contests a ruck duel on Saturday. (Photo: Amy Paton)
Harry McKay
Stats: 11 disposals, 3 marks
From the coach: Harry had some really good moments but he wasn’t able to string it together across four quarters. His good stuff was exciting with his agility and ability to compete both in the air and at ground level. He should’ve finished his work in front of goal which would’ve made his game more rounded, while he got some good exposure in the ruck.
Aaron Mullett
Stats: 25 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50s
From the coach: Across both the wing and half-back, he used the ball really well. There are parts of his game which he’s working really hard on, particularly defending in our 50, that he did really well in. His run on the outside and ball-use was important for us.
Cameron Polson
Stats: 14 disposals, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s
From the coach: Again there was a bit to like about his game, particularly his energy and speed at fall-of-ball. Similarly to last week, he could’ve had more impact if he was a bit cleaner, but we’re happy that he’s improving on the parts of his game he’s focusing on.
Angus Schumacher
Stats: 13 disposals, 4 tackles
From the coach: Some really good defensive efforts from ‘Schuey’ this week - he’s becoming more consistent in that part of his game. We thought his disposal had improved on previous weeks. As a young defender, his game continues to evolve and be more consistent and we’re pleased with that development.
Matthew Shaw
Stats: 17 disposals, 6 marks
From the coach: ‘Shawy' split time between midfield and half-back, where he provided good defensive support and was able to set us up in the back half — particularly in the opening two quarters. He’s becoming an important player for us at VFL level with his versatility.
