Round 13 2013 Peter Jackson VFL Preview
Essendon v Northern Blues
Windy Hill, Essendon
1pm, Sunday, July 7
July arrives. So to does the muffled applause of gloved hands and stifled cries of scarf-covered mouths from the bleachers. VFL Football returns to one of its more historical venues in Windy Hill when Essendon host the Northern Blues on Sunday afternoon.
The Northern Blues enter the contest clinging to eighth spot like their life depends on it, while Essendon are out to prove they are better side than their position of twelfth on the ladder suggests.
The Blues continue a tough stretch of matches and despite Essendon’s standing, Sunday will be no exception.
Turnovers in the back half as well as a failure to grasp opportunities at critical moments told the unfortunate story of the Blues’ loss to Casey by 28 points last week.
Many changes are forecast with young defender Andrew McInnes stepping back into senior football, just four games after returning from a knee reconstruction, whilst Andrew Carrazzo will also make his way into the seniors after an impressive showing last week in his return game.
Midfielder Tom Bell is a major out for the Northern Blues with scans confirming a broken jaw he suffered against Casey last week.
Simon White returns to the Northern Blues to bolster a Blues defence that will have their hands full with an impressive Essendon forward line – a combination of size and speed.
Joe Daniher continues his terrific form, so far booting 26 goals from his eight games this season. Between he and Scott Gumbleton – fresh off a five-goal haul in last week’s loss to Werribee – the two talls present a big challenge to two of either White, Matthew Watson and Sam Rowe.
Add to that, the ruck stocks of David Hille, and possibly Tom Bellchambers, the intrigue increases as to if the Blues can weather Essendon’s forward options.
And it’s not just the talls however, with the Bombers hoping to expose the Blues for pace with Aaron Davey, Leroy Jetta and Nathan Lovett-Murray buzzing through the midfield to compliment the likes of the in-form Kyle Hardingham and the improving former Gold Coast SUN, Josh Toy.
More blustering conditions and chance of rain forecast could make this a scrappy old affair. With two sides desperate to consolidate their spot and keep in touch with the top eight respectively, Sunday afternoon may just come down a battle of will.
And having faded out twice in their last two contests and eager not repeat the same proceedings for a third straight time, this may be the match the Blues need to turn the tide on their season.
Player Watch:
Rob Warnock/Shaun Hampson – The stage is set for two ruckmen on both sides arguably playing for the right to be picked and consolidated in the senior AFL teams. The ruck contest will be one of high quality, with the Blues’ big men probably holding an edge in the tap work department. Versatility up forward has been a big concern for both Blues’ giants and their output in the forward could tell a big tale as to which way this match swings.
Jeremy Laidler – Many calls are being made externally for the revolutionised forward to be recalled to the seniors. A rejuvenated forward, Laidler’s shown excellent flexibility to perform roles at either end of the ground and shown satisfactory out put as forward with goals in every one of his ten games this year, including three bags of three goals. Should the Bombers’ forwards get on top, may be required to return to his old post in defence as he did against Casey last week.
Nicholas Graham – Has been demonstrating poise beyond his years in the contested situations, already averaging 24 possessions and six clearances in his first three games at VFL level. A proven ball-magnet, he has been rarely wasteful with the footy and also exhibited an ability to perform differing midfield roles as a target, a lockdown player and contest sweeper. The Blues’ number one midfielder in recent weeks will need to replicate past performances and continue his solid first-possession numbers.
Northern Blues
B White M. Watson Joseph
HB F. Dale Rowe Davies
C A. Gianfagna Lambert Temay
HF Buckley Laidler Wilson
F Menzel Hampson Mitchell
R Warnock Duigan Graham
Interchange (from)*: Bonaddio Lincoln Dirago Taglieri Cattapan Meese Ballard McDonald
*Final side to be confirmed by Sunday, 10am
Matthew Lodge covers Northern Blues games for Carltonfc.com.au. You can follow him on Twitter: @MatthewSLodge
