Round 19 2013 Peter Jackson VFL Preview
Williamstown vs Northern Blues
Burbank Oval, Williamstown
1.10pm, Saturday, August 24

LAST TIME THEY MET: Northern Blues 7. 10. (52) defeated by Williamstown 12. 12. (84) at Visy Park – Round 11, 2013

It’s absolutely do-or-die for the Northern Blues in the final home-and-away round for the season when they visit Williamstown on Saturday afternoon at Burbank Oval.

Both clubs have much to play for, for differing reasons. While Williamstown is secure in fourth place – it boasts a game plus a massive percentage break over fifth-placed Werribee – victory plus a Box Hill Hawks win could seem them climb to third.

Northern Blues face a more cutthroat scenario. It must win and then rely on results going its way to force its way into the eight. A win and hoping that either Coburg can upset Port Melbourne or North Ballarat defeats Essendon is the only way for the Blues.

The Seagulls took the chocolates back in Round 11, when they outlasted a spirited Blues outfit that almost had the game in their favour five minutes into the last quarter.

Yet it would be a six-goal final quarter that saw Williamstown get over the line, with a host of small forwards – led by Tory Dickson’s four goals – putting to bed any chance of a Blues’ victory.

As will be the same come Saturday, contested possession will be a crucial factor the Blues, who have won nine of 10 games this season when they are ahead in that statistic.

Coincidentally, it was the loss to Williamstown mid-year that garnered the Blues their only defeat when winning the contested footy, yet it was the Bulldog’s spread from the contest that allowed them to break away from the Blues uncontested; emphasised by seven inside 50 marks in the final term.

They will again to have to deal with the likes of Dylan Addision, Jackson Macrae and Easton Wood as some of Williamstown’s runners.

Macrae amassed 30 disposals in last weekend’s come-from=-behind win over North Ballarat, continually being supported by captain Ben Jolley (23 disposals) and Willy Wheeler (22). Cameron Wood will have a bucket load of confidence after dominating the Roosters in the ruck with 58 hit-outs last weekend.

Yet the Blues will welcome some pace into their own game with Jeff Garlett playing his first game for the Northern Blues, after sustaining soreness the week before in the AFL.

Another welcome return is that of Jeremy Laidler, coming back from a leg injury sustained against Coburg in Round 15, with his versatility promising to be a key for the Northern Blues both in defence and up forward.

Northern Blues listed trio Jake Ballard, Myles Dorman and Daniel Watson are also chances to be included in the senior side after a string of consistent performances at Development level.

Burbank Oval hasn’t typically been a happy hunting ground for the Blues over the years and with plenty to play for, the blustery, coastal conditions expected could make this for the tightly contested game the Blues are hoping for.

Player Watch:

Jeff Garlett – The Blues have lacked pace through their midfield and were shown up in that area quite destructively last weekend against Werribee. Garlett is named as a half forward, but expect him to spend regular short bursts through the midfield. On his reputation, he will probably attract the Seagulls’ best defender leaving the door open for some other possible avenues for the Blues to score.

Jeremy Laidler – It would be unfair to expect a best-on-ground performance from Laidler, who has made a desperate return to competitive footy after a leg injury. While he has played much of the season as a forward, showed before the injury that he has still has all the tools to be a successful defender. May be required at both ends of the park within his managed game time.

Kane Lambert – The 22-year-old has had a quiet couple of weeks by his standards, but, should conditions suit, expect the Blues midfielder to go all out with a finals spot on the line. His noted ball-winning ability may see him attract the lockdown type of Williamstown’s Cameron Lockwood, who shut down North Ballarat’s Liam Anthony last week. The extra attention shouldn’t faze Lambert who could be required to kick some goals from rolling stoppages once the Blues get inside their forward 50.

Northern Blues

B Davies Bootsma Duigan
HB McDonald McCarthy Joseph
C O’ Keeffe Lambert A. Gianfagna
HF Garlett Rowe Lucas
F Dale Laidler Temay
R Meese Cachia D. Ellard
Interchange (from)*: Ballard Dufficy Dorman Thomas D. Watson Lincoln Posar Wilson Marcon

*Final side to be confirmed by Saturday, 10am

Matthew Lodge covers Northern Blues games for Carltonfc.com.au. You can follow him on Twitter: @MatthewSLodge