Northern Blues senior coach Josh Fraser analyses the games of every Carlton-listed player who fronted up in his side’s gallant 11-point victory over suburban rival Coburg.
51. Blaine Boekhorst
Stats: 9 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 5 handball receives, 1 goal
From the coach: Blaine only played the first half before going down with an unfortunate injury. For the time he was on, he gave us some good outside run and kicked our first goal of the game from 50.
60. David Cuningham
Stats: 9 disposals, 2 inside 50s, 6 handball receives
From the coach: He contributed well around the stoppages and got better as the game went on in terms of his run and spread: he continued to build fitness in his second week after a couple of weeks out.
26. Matthew Dick
Stats: 11 disposals, 6 handball receives
From the coach: He defended well in our back half and stood up well at stages: he didn’t give us the same drive from the back half as we’re used to but he battled manfully throughout the day.
31. Jayden Foster
Stats: 19 disposals, 10 marks, 6 handball receives
From the coach: ‘Foz’ competed well, and showed some really good positioning while being brutal in the air on a number of occasions down back. He also used the ball well in our back half.
34. Jesse Glass-McCasker
Stats: 12 disposals, 4 marks
From the coach: Jesse was similar to Foster in that he held up well over four quarters: he continues to work hard on his positioning and defensive side of his game, and is making positive strides in his development.
38. Billy Gowers
Stats: 19 disposals, 7 marks, 1 goal
From the coach: It was probably Bill’s best game of the season, where he played off half-back and was really aggressive in his positioning and with a couple of body spoils. He also kicked a nice running goal in the third quarter.
32. Nick Graham
Stats: 32 disposals (14 contested), 10 marks (4 inside 50), 5 clearances, 8 tackles, 3 goals
From the coach: Nick was once again terrific, playing on-ball with a chunk of time spent forward as well. He set the tone around the contest early with his tackling efforts and led from front all afternoon.
48. Kristian Jaksch
Stats: 18 disposals, 7 marks (5 inside 50, 4 contested), 4 goals
From the coach: I thought it was a really solid performance from KJ, who played an important role in the front half competing in air to finish with four goals while also giving support defensively at stages. He continues to build form and has assumed a leadership role with the younger players.
80. Matthew Korcheck
Stats: 2 disposals, 19 hitouts, 1 goal
From the coach: Big Matty had an impact in the ruck with some really impressive tap work, while he kicked his first senior goal which was definitely a highlight. He showcased his continued improved understanding of the game.
Carlton's American rookie Matt Korcheck (middle) celebrates his first VFL goal. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
47. Ciaran Sheehan
Stats: 13 disposals, 3 inside 50s, 7 handball receives
From the coach: It was great to have ‘Gussy’ back with us: he had some important contests on half-back and improved as the day went on. He began providing run and carry and will only get better as he continues to build form and fitness.
Carlton rookie Ciaran Sheehan's long-awaited senior VFL return was a welcome sight for Blues fans. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
2. Jack Silvagni
Stats: 8 disposals, 3 hard-ball gets, 3 goals
From the coach: SOS was really lively - I thought his work-rate in front of ball was impressive and gave us the chance to score. He continued to show some positive signs, and while he finished with three goals he probably could have finished with a couple more.
Jack Silvagni booted three goals for the Northern Blues against Coburg. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
67. Clem Smith
Stats: 20 disposals, 6 loose-ball gets, 2 inside 50s, 7 handball receives
From the coach: It was one of Clem’s better games for the year as well which was encouraging. He topped high-speed running so his work-rate was much improved and his tackle on Coburg’s ruckman in the third quarter showed his hunger. He provided plenty of spark around the ball.
76. Jason Tutt
Stats: 37 disposals, 10 marks, 6 inside 50s, 7 clearances, 11 handball receives, 3 goals
From the coach: Tutty was really good, he had a good balance of winning inside and outside ball and gave us great run all day. He was generally composed and used the ball well, and his hard work was rewarded with three goals.
65. Dillon Viojo-Rainbow
Stats: 15 disposals, 3 hard-ball gets, 3 loose-ball gets, 5 handball receives
From the coach: He played a role off half-back and defended pretty well. He had some important moments with ball in hand from the back half where he was able to set us up, and showed some encouraging contested efforts which had been lacking a bit in recent weeks.
42. Mark Whiley
Stats: 16 disposals, 4 hard-ball gets, 5 clearances, 3 tackles
From the coach: Mark’s first game back for five weeks so he was a bit rusty early, but he eventually worked into the game (11 disposals in the second half). He had a couple of important tackles and his clearance work improved as the game went on.
36. Cameron Wood
Stats: 11 disposals, 16 hitouts, 4 clearances
From the coach: Woody competed hard in the ruck, and when he gets his hands on the ball in the contest it generally went to our advantage. He continues to work hard in covering the ground and - coming off a limited preparation - will continue to build form.
