Northern Blues coach Josh Fraser assesses every Carlton-listed player who featured in the VFL loss to Port Melbourne at Preston City Oval on Saturday:
David Cuningham
Stats: 7 disposals
Went off early in the game through injury.
Tom De Koning
Stats: 9 disposals, 13 hitouts
From the coach: He spent more time in the ruck this week, and he competed well at centre bounces and stoppages. Some of his follow-up work at ground level was pleasing and continues to be a strong point.
Jarrod Garlett
Stats: 9 disposals, 5 marks
From the coach: Jarrod showed signs of elite pressure in our forward line, and was creative with the ball when he found it. The next step is continuing to build his consistency throughout four quarters.
Jesse Glass-McCasker
Stats: 8 disposals
From the coach: I thought some of his work was an improvement: his positioning as a defender and ability to come off and either spoil or intercept showed some growth.
Nick Graham
Stats: 26 disposals, 10 tackles, 7 clearances, 2 goals
From the coach: Nick continues to lead the way for us at stoppages and his approach at the contest. He showed good leadership over the course of the day and continued to battle hard to finish with two goals.
Nick Graham continued his strong form in the VFL. (Photo: Ashley Perez)
Patrick Kerr
Stats: 9 disposals, 3 goals
From the coach: I thought Patty’s game was impressive as a key forward when there wasn’t a lot of free-flowing movement. He maintained his leading patterns, was strong in the air and got good reward for effort with his three goals.
Jed Lamb
Stats: 22 disposals, 5 marks, 4 tackles
From the coach: ’Lamby’ spent his time playing in the forward line and wing: he applied some good pressure and was clean with the footy. He kept ticking away and continued to get better throughout the match to finish with 22 disposals.
Jed Lamb bounced back with a strong performance in the VFL on Saturday. (Photo: Ashley Perez)
Darcy Lang
Stats: 18 disposals, 4 inside 50s
From the coach: It was an encouraging return to footy for Darcy. Some of his patterns were terrific and he ran really hard to support defensively playing on the wing. You’d expect some rust for his first game back so he’ll keep getting better from here.
Kym Lebois
Stats: 8 disposals, 3 inside 50s
From the coach: He didn’t have the same impact through hitting the scoreboard, but again he showed some spark and energy when he was able to put pressure on the opposition. He’s becoming more consistent with his football which is a great sign for him.
Harrison Macreadie
Stats: 19 disposals, 7 marks
From the coach: I thought his game was quite solid — his positioning and ability to adjust was as good as it’s been this year. He’s continuing to build his aerial craft and he got into good positions to intercept: it was a good step forward for him.
Young defender Harrison Macreadie was a standout against Port Melbourne. (Photo: Ashley Perez)
Cameron Polson
Stats: 9 disposals, 3 inside 50s
From the coach: He found it hard to get into the game, spending his time through the middle and also forward. He brought great energy and pressure in the contest. We’re looking for opportunities to get him involved with the ball, and he’s working really hard as a young player on his running patterns.
Angus Schumacher
Stats: 10 disposals, 7 rebound 50s
From the coach: He keeps showing signs as a young defender, finding the ball in offence and using it well for the most part. He’s growing his game as a young player, and the weekend presented more encouraging signs.
Matthew Shaw
Stats: 18 disposals, 4 rebound 50s
From the coach: He was a little quieter on the weekend than his game against North Melbourne playing off the wing and half-back. Some of his positioning and running was really good: if that continues to be his focus, he’ll get more reward for effort.
