Time for the younger Blues to see some action against the reigning VFL premiers. According to the Northern Blues' web site, the game is set to start at 11:00 AM (somewhat earlier than previously advised). Entry to the ground will be free at either end.
Wish I could get there.....
At times like this we will miss RR's reports the most. Best wishes to him. However, hopefully someone can get there and give us the good oil.
If I can, I will fill in data using Twitter: not the same as being there, but the best I can manage at times.
Teams have not been published as yet. They probably won't be published.
It wont be the same as RR, but Grunt usually do a match report where they name the best and give a bit of an update.
RR's reports tend to be a bit more level headed though so happier to receive their match reports.
Time for the younger Blues to see some action against the reigning VFL premiers. According to the Northern Blues' web site, the game is set to start at 11:00 AM (somewhat earlier than previously advised). Entry to the ground will be free at either end.
Wish I could get there.....
At times like this we will miss RR's reports the most. Best wishes to him. However, hopefully someone can get there and give us the good oil.
If I can, I will fill in data using Twitter: not the same as being there, but the best I can manage at times.
Teams have not been published as yet. They probably won't be published.
I'd love to be there but will be in SpannerLand - A.C.T.
Wish I could visit the NBs website but whenever I try my McAfee virus protection goes nuts - big red cross and 'danger, Wil Robinson, Danger...' Obviously some spyware or something on the site preventing me (and probably many others) from accessing the site.
Northern Blues VFL Squad*: 2. Blaine Johnson, 3. Myles Dorman, 4. Tom Wilson, 5. Kyle Emley, 7. Dylan Buckley, 9. Nick Holman, 10. Tim Totevski, 17. Sam Rowe, 18. Cameron Giles, 20. Ciaran Sheehan, 22. Tom Grimes, 29. Heath Scotland, 31. Jack Anthony, 32. Joel Wilkinson, 33. Tyson Thomas, 34. Luke Reynolds, 37. Ben Walton, 39. Patrick Cripps, 41. Levi Casboult, 42. Josh Bootsma, 47. Simon White, 50. Cameron Wood, 53. Keenan Posar, 59. Jaryd Cachia, 67. Tom Temay, 75. Nick Graham, 77. Kane Lucas, 78. Sam Cattapan
No Dennis Armfield? Injured?
- http://northernbluesfc.com.au/news/316-nbfc-preview-practisematch5-blues-hawks.html
At times like this we will miss RR's reports the most. Best wishes to him. However, hopefully someone can get there and give us the good oil.
My first thoughts when I read the op! Hopefully there is someone ready to fill his shoes.
Really look forward to RR reports, hope we hear to from hiim as usual.
Well balanced and informative insight into the NB. Ciao I
Into the 3rd quarter and the Blues are behind because they couldn't hit the side of a barn from inside: Blues 2 - 7 - 19 to Box Hill 5 - 6 - 36
However, our midfielders have been imposing in and under in the first half, they lead clearances 20-11 and contested possessions 60-55. That is good. But we obviously have issues converting.
Eight of Graham's 18 touches have been contested, while he's also had four inside 50s and three tackles.
DISPOSALS at Half Time: Graham 16, Cachia 16, Buckley 15, Scotland 13, Wilson 12.
And we just kicked our 3rd goal. In fact, we have kicked the last 3 goals! Pity so many early scores were points!
According to twitter Wood has played really well so far and has kicked a goal. No goals to Casboult.
Is Giles playing? Very interested to see how he goes.
Yep he's playing according to twitter
Thanks for the updates crashlander , much appreciated.
Hope they turn it around soon.
Ciao
Blues lose by a goalnkicked after the siren. 10.14 to 12.8.
From all reports, Nick Graham has staked strong claims. 30 possessions, 17 contested, 5 clearances. I just get a feeling, given time and the right development program, he's going to be a jet!
Game vs Hawks
Match report. Good hitout. In the frame for a win right to the death.
http://northernbluesfc.com.au/news/317-nbfc-report-blues-go-down-fighting.html
Blues go down fighting
by Crisitan Filippo
A spirited but inaccurate Northern Blues outfit have gone down by seven points to the reigning premiers Box Hill in a VFL practice match at Visy Park.
The Hawks got the early jump after they kicked all five goals in the first quarter, before an improved Blues couldn't assert their dominance after the first break.
Boasting 15 Carlton-listed players, the Blues trailed by as much as 31 points in the third term, but four straight goals in the last quarter saw the scores level before a goal on the siren assured the Hawks a seven-point win.
Result aside, but there were many positive signs for the Blues including the impressive run of form continued by Nick Graham.
Fresh off being the major-ball winner in last week’s win over Footscray, the Gippsland product finished with 30 disposals - 17 of those contested - and five clearances.
Heath Scotland and Dylan Buckley provided both experience and run through defence and midfield, having 33 and 20 disposals respectively.
Scotland was particularly influential in the Blues' late resurgence, having 20 of his disposals after half-time.
Cameron Wood was imposing in the ruck with 53 hit outs and partnered well with Levi Casboult, who spent time in the ruck and up forward.
Their dominance in the ruck (hit outs, 65-34) led to a clearance ascendancy of 37 to 26, with the likes of Graham, Scotland and Jaryd Cachia (30 possessions) benefiting from their ruck work.
Partnered by the likes of livewires Tom Wilson and Tim Totevski, Tom Temay almost single-handedly dragged the Northern Blues to victory with vital final quarter display of eight possession and two goals.
Down back, Jack Anthony took 13 marks for the game, and was constantly thwarting the Hawks' forward thrusts throughout the game.
Speaking post-match to northernbluesfc.com.au, Dylan Buckley credited the team for their fightback, but lamented lost opportunities in front of goal.
"It was a good effort to come back against a quality side like Box Hill and go down by just over a kick. It was a really impressive fightback," Buckley, 21 today, said.
"In the end it was a case of missed opportunities. We kicked 13 behinds: that's 13 chances at goals that in the end proved the difference. Our forwards led well but unfortunately we just couldn't convert."
Buckley has found himself a new role across half back this season: one where he has excelled and which he has enjoyed.
"It was a little daunting to begin with but I'm really enjoying it. I've played about four games down there and I'm settling in: hopefully I can consolidate my spot."
The Blues will have a final tune up prior to round one, as they face Sandringham on Friday at 2:30pm at Visy Park.
NORTHERN BLUES 0.3 2.6 6.8 10. 13. (73)
BOX HILL HAWKS 5.3 5.4 10.7 12. 8. (80)
GOALS: Sheehan 2, Temay 2, Cachia, Wood, Wilson, Dorman, White, Casboult
Im no river rat, but I can forward on good information when I read it.
I just noticed Crash's thread. Feel free to merge this with that one if you wish.
Good to see Temay doing something positive and getting a mention.....I think Buckley can make it if we give him a chance and let him have a string of games and settle.
The club have to make up their mind on if we are going down the development route and take a step or two backwards or continue trying to make the eight but with little hope of advancing and continue this cycle of meaningless struggle as we emulate Richmond, North etc.
I'd break that cycle and declare this a rebuild season, get some games into Graham, Buckley etc and even Temay then hope we can recruit somes big names to propel the club upwards.
In an era where run has become a decisive factor, it's critical that players like Buckey are injected ASAP. I think Army must be a contender as well. Both have have the pace required its just a question of their tanks. Cripps is worth the punt ahead of McLean IMO going forward.
Buckleys issue isn't speed, fitness, courage but he's terribly unreliable by foot under pressure.
Do we need another 50/50 kick at the moment .
Buckleys issue isn't speed, fitness, courage but he's terribly unreliable by foot under pressure.
Do we need another 50/50 kick at the moment .
The kid deserves a decent run on the park to establish himself at AFL level. Gibbs looked like a rabbit in the headlights when he first started out. Drop Robbo and bring in Buckley. Even if he sprays it we break even at selection.
Buckleys issue isn't speed, fitness, courage but he's terribly unreliable by foot under pressure.
Do we need another 50/50 kick at the moment .
The kid deserves a decent run on the park to establish himself at AFL level. Gibbs looked like a rabbit in the headlights when he first started out. Drop Robbo and bring in Buckley. Even if he sprays it we break even at selection.
Gibbs could always kick.
Buckleys issue isn't speed, fitness, courage but he's terribly unreliable by foot under pressure.
Do we need another 50/50 kick at the moment .
Is there anyone in our side other than maybe Gibbs who is a reliable kick under pressure?
David Ellard
Lachie Henderson
Jarrad Waite
Andrew Walker
Kade Simpson is generally a good kick of the footy, but even he can stuff up under pressure.
Some of you blokes were mentioning that we missed our window, but when you start seeking the answers to these questions, you have to wonder what premiership window we have had open since about 1999 and even then we were a one man side.
David Ellard - Great set shot for goal but I'm not so sure of his field kicking under pressure
Lachie Henderson - Was criticised for turning it over coming out of defence last year
Jarrad Waite - Once again, great set shot
Andrew Walker - You have got to be kidding me
Kade Simpson is generally a good kick of the footy, but even he can stuff up under pressure. - Very hit and miss
Good to see Temay doing something positive and getting a mention.....I think Buckley can make it if we give him a chance and let him have a string of games and settle.
The club have to make up their mind on if we are going down the development route and take a step or two backwards or continue trying to make the eight but with little hope of advancing and continue this cycle of meaningless struggle as we emulate Richmond, North etc.
I'd break that cycle and declare this a rebuild season, get some games into Graham, Buckley etc and even Temay then hope we can recruit somes big names to propel the club upwards.
Agree. Id be doing the same. Gotta break the cycle.
Good to see Temay doing something positive and getting a mention.....I think Buckley can make it if we give him a chance and let him have a string of games and settle.
The club have to make up their mind on if we are going down the development route and take a step or two backwards or continue trying to make the eight but with little hope of advancing and continue this cycle of meaningless struggle as we emulate Richmond, North etc.
I'd break that cycle and declare this a rebuild season, get some games into Graham, Buckley etc and even Temay then hope we can recruit somes big names to propel the club upwards.
Couldn't agree more... might be the year to 'bite the bullett'. But who do we drop to make way for Graham, Buckley etc?
Buckleys issue isn't speed, fitness, courage but he's terribly unreliable by foot under pressure.
Do we need another 50/50 kick at the moment .
Is there anyone in our side other than maybe Gibbs who is a reliable kick under pressure?
Hoops! ;D
Buckleys issue isn't speed, fitness, courage but he's terribly unreliable by foot under pressure.
Do we need another 50/50 kick at the moment .
I can vouch for the fact that in the school and under age footy, he was lace out at 50 meters. Give him some consistent game time at the highest level, allow him to adapt to the pace and watch him blossom. He has Jimmy's steely determination, which is something we currently lack. GAME TIME!!!!
Buckleys issue isn't speed, fitness, courage but he's terribly unreliable by foot under pressure.
Do we need another 50/50 kick at the moment .
I can vouch for the fact that in the school and under age footy, he was lace out at 50 meters. Give him some consistent game time at the highest level, allow him to adapt to the pace and watch him blossom. He has Jimmy's steely determination, which is something we currently lack. GAME TIME!!!!
I can only gauge what I've seen so far and he's not showing a lot of polish.
I have no problem playing kids but there has to be balance.
Can't have too many kids who can't run 4 /4.
Can't have too many people with suspect kicks.