Northern Blues senior coach Josh Fraser rates the Carlton-listed players who have yet to be seen at AFL level, with the exception of a few who have played the majority of 2017 in the VFL:
BLAINE BOEKHORST
VFL games played: 5
What the numbers say: Boekhorst has had an average of 26 disposals per game, nearly a 10-disposal increase on his average in 2016 (16.8). He has been a vital outlet for the Blues, leading the club for uncontested possessions (82) despite missing in Round 6.
From the coach: He’s improved parts of his game significantly, in particular his run and carry at VFL level. He’s played the majority on the wing and spent time forward, where he keeps improving his craft. There are parts of his game which we need to see more consistency in, but in the first six games overall he’s been a regular performer for us.
DYLAN BUCKLEY
VFL games played: 6
What the numbers say: Buckley has been the club’s primary ball-carrier out of defence, leading the Blues in rebound 50s in the opening six weeks. He is averaging over 18 disposals a game.
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From the coach: Thrown some big challenges to work on his game as a defender, and what I’ve loved is how he’s embraced those and his ability to play hard on an opponent and play our structure. He’s really aware he needs to keep improving and he’s brought a really good energy and enthusiasm to our group. Seeing some good growth from him.
ANDREW GALLUCCI
VFL games played: 6
What the numbers say: Gallucci has been a regular source of both scoreboard and forward pressure for Northern. He is averaging over a goal per game, and is No.3 for total tackles behind Tom Wilson and Liam Jones.
From the coach: He’s done some exciting things. Coming from a long injury layoff, he’s now looking for more consistency on the field. His good stuff is really exciting, which is putting forward-half pressure on. His speed around goals and his ability to finish have added something different to our forward line.
JESSE GLASS-McCASKER
VFL games played: 2
What the numbers say: Glass-McCasker has had an interrupted start to the year after suffering an injury in the Round 2 win over Williamstown. He came back via the Development side against Sandringham and has shown some good signs as a lock-down defender.
From the coach: We’ve seen some improvement from Jesse in parts of his game as a defender. What we’d like to see now is him getting ahold of an opponent which he has the ability to do. He works tirelessly with (Carlton defence coach) Dale Amos and his other defenders. Missing a few weeks halted his progress.
DANIEL GORRINGE
VFL games played: 3
What the numbers say: After sustaining an achilles injury in the JLT Community Series, Gorringe has steadily built in his VFL return. He’s been a valuable link-man, averaging five marks a game, and has hit the scoreboard in two of his three games.
From the coach: We haven’t seen as much from him as we would’ve liked due to some injury setbacks. He’s just started to get up and running now. He’s an alternative forward with good size and athletic ability, who can also play up on a wing and has shown his versatility. His form and fitness are on the way up and we think he can have an impact at either level.
KRISTIAN JAKSCH
VFL games played: 6
What the numbers say: Jaksch has had an impact at both ends of the ground, which he’s played in equal measure so far in 2017. His five goals see him lead the club’s goal-kicking after six rounds while he’s performed well in defence at stages.
From the coach: 'KJ' has played a variety of roles, and something we’ve been really pleased with has been his mindset to play at both ends. He’s been damaging with his marking ability and he’s a good finisher up forward, while he’s working hard on some defensive aspects down back. His versatility is growing as a player.
Versatility has been the feature of Kristian Jaksch's 2017 VFL season. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
LIAM JONES
VFL games played: 6
What the numbers say: Jones has been the star Northern Blue so far this season, performing a number of roles with aplomb. His work in the air and at ground level has been a feature, sitting at No.2 at the club for both marks and tackles.
From the coach: He’s in a rare vein of form. Firstly, his attitude to his footy and his teammates have been standouts and he sets a great example for his teammates. His performances in multiple roles have been terrific and have been underpinned by his hunger for the contest.
Liam Jones has been in unstoppable form for the Northern Blues. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
PATRICK KERR
VFL games played: 5
What the numbers say: Kerr has impressed as a first-year forward and his game is constantly growing at VFL level. He’s the No.1 ranked forward at the Blues for marks and is averaging a goal a game.
From the coach: We’ve seen some terrific growth in Kerr’s game - his ability to lead at the kicker is second to none. He has a high work-rate and shown growth in his defensive game in putting pressure on. His contested marking is on the improve and he’s a lovely kick for goal and around the ground.
Pat Kerr continues to grow at VFL level in his first year at Carlton. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
MATTHEW KORCHECK
VFL games played: 4
What the numbers say: Korcheck has provided valuable support for Andrew Phillips in the ruck and has also shown his worth up forward. He’s averaging close to 20 hitouts per game.
From the coach: I guess through circumstance with Andrew Phillips, his game-time has been reduced. What he’s been able to do is go forward and impact, which we’ve seen glimpses of. It’s exciting to see him go forward and he works really hard with coaches. He keeps embracing challenges, and at his best he’s an imposing presence for us.
JED LAMB
VFL games played: 3
What the numbers say: After returning in Round 4, Lamb’s form-line has been on the up. His work-rate and pressure (17 disposals, five tackles per game) have set the tone in recent weeks.
From the coach: ‘Lamby' has been really important and I think coming off some injuries, he’s been able to get back to a high work-rate and apply strong pressure. He’s played mainly up forward with stints in the midfield and he’s really clever. He's building quite a strong run of form.
Jed Lamb has quickly regained his touch after an injury layoff. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
KYM LEBOIS
VFL games played: 2
What the numbers say: Lebois only recently made his return from injury, playing a role in an exciting forward line. He kicked a goal with his first kick in VFL football.
From the coach: He’s only had a couple of games back but we see him as a really clever, high-pressure forward. He does the basics well, executes really well and he’s got a great step. We’re really looking forward to him hitting the ground running. He’s got immense talent.
HARRY McKAY
VFL games played: 5
What the numbers say: McKay is the only Blue to kick a goal in every game that he’s played. He’s averaging five marks a game and sits just behind Liam Jones for contested marks.
From the coach: I think he’s continuing to grow in the right direction. You see periods where he really gets hold of the game. He works extremely hard on his marking and the detail around the forward line, and we’re starting to see that translate to game day. Along with Patty Kerr, Carlton supporters should be really excited about him.
ANDREW PHILLIPS
VFL games played: 5
What the numbers say: Phillips has been a constant presence in the middle for the Blues, averaging just over 30 hitouts per game. He’s also been a constant marking threat.
From the coach: I think he’s been quite impressive. He’s come off an injury-interrupted start but he’s giving a contest around the ground and in centre-bounce stoppages. He’s showing his aerial strength to mark and also go forward. He’s been integral to our side and we want to make sure he keeps elevating his game.
JARROD PICKETT
VFL games played: 3
What the numbers say: Pickett started the year in the Carlton side before featuring for the Northern Blues in Rounds 3-5. He played multiple roles and his influence built by the week.
From the coach: He had a start to the year at AFL level and came back to the VFL to work on different parts, which he’s really embraced. He’s spent a week as a defender which was strategic. At his best, we think he’s an electric small forward who applies really strong pressure and good with the ball. He’s another player who we think could really spark us in the second half of the year.
Jarrod Pickett is building towards a big second half of the year. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
CAMERON POLSON
VFL games played: 5
What the numbers say: A blistering start to the year saw Polson rewarded with an AFL debut. Since then, he’s returned to the VFL and improved by the week, winning the ball and kicking goals with regularity.
From the coach: His improvement has been pleasing as well - he’s understanding what’s required at AFL level and translating that work-rate to VFL footy. His work around stoppages and ability to get onto a loose ball are impressive, while he’s impacting the scoreboard. We keep working hard on educating him on parts of the game to set him up for what we hope is a long, successful career.
Cameron Polson is eager to succeed in his first year at the Blues. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
CIARAN SHEEHAN
VFL games played: 4
What the numbers say: Sheehan started the year well and didn’t let a slight injury setback halt his run. He hasn’t dropped below 17 disposals for the year and is leading the club for average rebound 50s per game (5).
From the coach: He’s been a pillar of strength in our defensive make-up, keeps embracing the challenge of improving and showing leadership qualities with the youngsters. He works as hard as anyone and is really clear and focused on what he wants to do. As a coaching group, we’re really confident whenever he’s there that he’ll give a contest and set us up with his ball use.
