With Carlton is just over a week to go before its first NAB Cup match against the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants, the Club’s VFL affiliate, the Northern Blues are well into preparations to kick off their 2013 campaign.
CFC TV reporter Michelle Trewartha caught up with Northern Blues Coach Luke Webster for an update on how his young squad is tracking with their opening match against Werribee just under two months away.
With over 60 footballers arriving for squad training, Webster said his coaching staff had the difficult task of culling the numbers down to a squad of 45, following a training camp down at Anglesea last weekend.
“The training camp was really beneficial,” Webster told CFC TV this morning.
“It was great to get out of Melbourne, develop some team bonding. We had them involved in a surf carnival as something completely different, along with brushing up on game education and style of play.”
Webster said season 2012 was a tale of two halves losing 8 of their first 9 matches before rounding out the season strongly to finish two spots outside the finals. It’s a record the Northern Blues coach wants to improve on, whilst keeping a firm focus on development.
“A year on, we now have lots of guys impressing and putting their hand up for senior selection,” he said.
“The Northern Blues are very important to Carlton and its players in regards to football development and building relationships at a club with its proud culture and vast experience.”
The Northern Blues Round 1 match kicks off against Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on April 6.
For more details on the Northern Blues’ upcoming season including news and fixtures, visit northernbluesfc.com.au.
Follow Michelle Trewartha on Twitter: @Mish_Trewartha
