Up to 15 Carlton-listed players could line up for the Northern Blues in this afternoon's practice match against Richmond at Punt Road.
Acting as a curtain raiser to the AFL season opener across the road at the MCG, Thursday presents an exciting opportunity for Carlton supporters to see the vast majority of the list in action.
After being rested for the practice match against Box Hill a fortnight ago, Jack Silvagni has been named to make his first appearance for Northern.
Daniel Gorringe has been included in the side after featuring in all three NAB Challenge matches, as has the fit-again Liam Sumner.
Carlton’s Head of Football Andrew McKay confirmed to www.carltonfc.com.au that the former Giant would play a half for Northern in his first hitout of 2016.
Twelve other Blues are listed in the extended squad, including prized 2015 draft pick David Cuningham and recent rookie nomination Ciaran Byrne.
From a Northern Blues perspective, club stalwart Brent Bransgrove and defensive general Kieran McGuinness will make their respective returns from injury.
Recruits Ben Casley and Sam Russell have also been named to make his first appearance at Northern, while Zach Ballard could potentially come up against older brother Jacob (ex-Fremantle).
The match is free entry for all supporters and will commence at 4pm from Punt Road Oval, giving fans ample opportunity to head over to the MCG for Carlton’s big clash with the Tigers.
MATCH DETAILS
Richmond VFL v Northern Blues FC
Thursday, 24 March
4pm, Punt Rd. Oval
FREE entry
PLAYERS TO WATCH
David Cuningham: The draftee will be looking to build on a solid opening outing for the Northern Blues against Box Hill, playing through the midfield in a contested game to finish with 14 disposals. Alongside the likes of Jason Tutt and Dillon Viojo-Rainbow, Cuningham’s pace to complement the grunt work of Brent Bransgrove and Zach Ballard on the inside could be pivotal.
Jack Silvagni: Silvagni is one of seven first-year Carlton players to be named for the VFL practice match. In what will be his first outing for Northern, Silvagni will play alongside fellow son of a gun Tyler Roos (son of Paul): not since 1993 have the Silvagni and Roos bloodlines featured in the same side. Silvagni won’t be lacking support up forward, potentially lining up alongside Daniel Gorringe, Kristian Jaksch and Liam Jones.
Kieran McGuinness: The two-time SANFL premiership winning captain was one of the Blues’ best and most consistent performers in 2015, before a shoulder injury brought a premature end to his first season at Preston City Oval. Fit again and named to face the side he last came up against before injuring his shoulder, the veteran will be aiming to slot into a Northern defensive line-up which he marshalled with aplomb for the opening half of last year.
NORTHERN BLUES SQUAD
2. Jack Silvagni, 3. David Cuningham, 4. Sam Russell, 6. Glenn Strachan, 7. Cameron Barrett, 8. Brent Bransgrove, 11. Kieran McGuinness, 12. Zach Ballard, 14. Liam Jones, 16. Ben Casley, 18. Daniel Gorringe, 23. Hisham Kerbatieh, 24. Tyler Roos, 34. Jesse Glass-McCasker, 35. Kye Declase, 36. Cameron Wood, 38. Billy Gowers, 39. Matthew Dick, 46. Liam Sumner, 48. Kristian Jaksch, 56. Andrew Gallucci, 59. Ciaran Byrne, 65. Dillon Viojo-Rainbow, 67. Tom Wilson, 76. Jason Tutt, 77. Chris McCabe, 80. Matthew Korcheck
BOLD = Carlton-listed player
