The Northern Blues will be out to keep its chances of a finals berth alive when they host Richmond at Ikon Park tomorrow.
A loss against Werribee last weekend left the Blues’ 2016 hopes dwindling, with Northern now needing to win every game and have results go its way for a top-eight finish.
It will be the first time the two teams have faced off in the VFL this year, with Richmond coming into the game in arguably its best form of the season.
The Tigers’ win over the Dolphins saw them win their second consecutive game and now sit just one win behind the Blues on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder.
After conceding 25 goals last weekend, the Blues will be looking for a much-improved defensive effort across the board in a side which could boast as many as 16 Carlton-listed players.
Jayden Foster and Jesse Glass-McCasker look the likely options to hold down the defensive fort, and could be supported by the likes of Kye Declase, Kristian Jaksch or Bailey Jordan depending on selection.
Jaksch could also find himself up forward alongside his forward partners of Liam Jones and Harry McKay, who collectively struggled to impact the game against Werribee.
When firing, Northern’s three-pronged attack has worked wonders for the Blues, and it could prove the difference against a Richmond side which has struggled to kick a winning score in 2016 (No.13 in the VFL for points scored).
Northern is two from two when it comes to winning games at Ikon Park this season, while the sides have never faced off at the venue in their only two encounters since 2014.
A 31-man squad for the Blues – to be reduced to 27 in line with Carlton’s team announcement – sees Zach Ballard named on an extended bench for a potential battle with his brother, Jacob Ballard.
Richmond’s Ballard is one of three former Northern players in the squad, with Ryan Gale and AFL-listed Kane Lambert also featuring.
With games to come against Williamstown and Essendon following next week’s bye, the game against Richmond provides a significant test and a big opportunity for the Blues to give their 2016 aspirations a boost.
The Blues’ clash with Richmond gets underway from 2pm, with the match to be preceded by the Development fixture between the Blues and the Casey Scorpions.
The Development side will see two Northern Knights boys play for the first time, with Charles Roberts and potential Carlton father-son recruit Jake Bradley both fronting up tomorrow from 11am.
MATCH DETAILS:
VFL Round 18
Northern Blues v Richmond
Ikon Park
Saturday, August 6 – 2pm
Adults $10, Concession $5, Kids under 15 FREE
Northern Blues members and/or Carlton members – FREE
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Harry McKay: The youngster will be looking for a response after his first goalless game in the VFL last weekend. After kicking five goals in his opening two games, McKay will have to fire alongside potentially Kristian Jaksch and Liam Jones following a disappointing performance by Northern’s talls against Werribee, as they combined for only three of Northern’s 15 goals.
Tom Wilson: The captain has been in brilliant form all season, with his last month particularly putting him in contention for a VFL Team of the Year spot. Wilson has averaged 29 disposals and over a goal a game in his last four matches, and has led from the front with aplomb in the middle. Wilson will have his work cut out for him at the coalface and will need to put in another big shift if Northern are to come away with a vital win.
David Cuningham: Wilson will be supported by first-year Blue David Cuningham, who continues to make a steady return after an interrupted maiden year with injury. Cuningham had his highest possession total (20 disposals) last weekend since Round 1, and continues to build continuity and fitness in his game. With Richmond’s midfield containing former Northern Blues in Jacob Ballard and Kane Lambert, it’ll be a big test for Northern’s young midfield brigade.
