Peter Jackson VFL – Round 14
North Ballarat vs Northern Blues
Sunday July 13^th, 2:00pm
Eureka Stadium, Ballarat

Head-to-Head
Played 32
Northern Blues 13                 
North Ballarat 19

Last Time They Met
R6, 2013: Northern Blues 12. 11. (83) defeated North Ballarat 5. 9. (39) at Visy Park

Two of the competition's most sporadic teams are set to go head to head this weekend when the Northern Blues travel to Eureka Stadium to challenge North Ballarat on Sunday.

The sides – who currently sit seventh and tenth on the ladder – are anchored among a surplus of clubs separated by just four points in the middle of a clustered VFL ladder.

While both squads have been unpredictable so far this season, they have both taken a very different path to their current standings.

The Blues exploded from the blocks with three wins to begin their year, however the Roosters lost their first four contests before a two-point victory over Footscray in round five sparked a six-game winning streak.

Despite those vast differences the organisations have offered fans their fair share of drama, winning three games each by less than a goal.

In their 2013 encounter, the Northern Blues crippled the Rooster’s attack by limiting them to just five goals in a 44-point win at Visy Park.

Former Blue Kane Lambert was best on ground in that clash amassing 32-disposals and three goals.

The teams will be carrying contrasting form into this match following last weekend’s results, with the Blues defeating Collingwood by 18-points and the Roosters losing their second consecutive game to Werribee.

North Ballarat will be looking to limit the Blues scoring to draw a result this weekend with one of the leagues best defences at their disposal.

A key to nullifying Northern’s scoring prowess will be winning the battle between the two young and talented midfields.

The Blues will face the challenge of accounting for the loss of two regular on-ballers in Nick Graham (AFL selection) and Jaryd Cachia
(suspension).

Coach Luke Webster will need to look elsewhere to reduce the impact of in-form North Ballarat players Nicholas Rippon and Trent Dumont in their absence.

The potential returns of Carlton-listed utility Dylan Buckley and captain Brent Bransgrove should help to fill that void.

Blues’ defender Jack Anthony looms as an option to use on North Ballarat’s leading goal kicker Jordan Staley, while dropped Kangaroo Liam Anthony will be one to watch in Roosters colours.

With the race towards September approaching quickly every remaining match will be seen as a must-win for both sides.

Player Watch

Cameron Wood: Named as the best player against his old club last weekend, Wood has been dominant in the ruck with over 50 hit-outs in his last three matches. If the ruckman can pose a threat around the ground like he did last weekend he could be the lynchpin for the Blues this week.

Tom Wilson: Wilson was an unsung hero in the second-half for the Blues last weekend. The small forward constantly avoids opposition scouting reports among his AFL listed teammates but won’t stay under the radar for long if he continues this spate of form.

Patrick Cripps: With Cachia and Graham set to miss, Patrick Cripps will have a huge opportunity to lead Northern’s midfield group on Sunday. Cripps has shown glimpses of his massive potential across the season and could put it all together on the weekend.

Northern Blues Team

B          McInnes           M. Watson       Byrne

HB        Dirago             Anthony           Sheehan

C          Lucas               Cripps              Reynolds

HF        Holman            Walton             Buckley

F          Garlett              Waite                Wilson

R          Wood               Armfield           Cattapan

I/C Bransgrove, Coulson, Temay, Wilkinson, M. Gleeson*

E Dufficy, Totevski, Posar, Bolger