A whole-of-club approach from AFL to VFL level was highlighted by Northern Blues senior coach Josh Fraser as his side readies for a crunch clash with Werribee on Sunday.

Talking to SEN 1116’s VFL show, Fraser said the Northern Blues’ own reset and continued development was beginning to bring results on the field.

The first-year coach praised the ability of his players to perform, particularly those who have featured in the AFL side over the course of the season.

“Some of the players who have come back and shown some really good form, that’s been a really exciting part of the season to date,” Fraser said.

Northern underwent an unprecedented makeover over the off-season, with a revamped coaching staff and a large list turnover at both AFL and VFL level.

Fraser said the investment of Carlton and the unity shown across all levels was one of the most heartening things to take from the season with a month remaining.

“We think we’ve made some pretty good strides in re-establishing our identity and within that is working on the alignment with Carlton,” Fraser said.

“There’s been a really heavy investment from the Carlton end into our VFL side and we’ve seen some really good growth.” 

The Blues now find themselves a game and percentage out of the top eight, after having a 1-5 record following the opening six rounds.

Fraser mentioned the application of his players and the way they’ve responded to various challenges throughout the year as reasons for the side’s recent improvement.

“We lost some players through injury including Kieran McGuinness, who hasn’t come back to play football, and then shortly after that we had the retirement of Brent Bransgrove,” Fraser said.

“We’ve had some things which have probably upset our momentum and balance, but the resolve of the group is I think what’s been the most pleasing.”

The Northern Blues take on Werribee this Sunday from 11:40am, with the match to be shown live on Channel 7.