This Saturday at 1400 the Blues play Coburg for the 2nd time in a little more than a month. This game is a Blues home game at Preston City Oval.
Scuttlebut going around at the moment is that Ciaran Byrne will play!
Coming off the LTI he must be a chance for at least 1/4 or 1/2!
Sounds like everything has gone fairly well for Ciaran then.
Hes on track for a 12 month recovery and this would be one stage of the rehabilitation process. Best of luck to him (and by extension us).
NORTHERN BLUES v. COBURG
Round 8 – 10/06/2017
02:00 Preston City Oval
Northern Blues
B: 70. H. Macreadie, 43. S. White, 7. D. Buckley
HB: 47. C. Sheehan, 48. K. Jaksch, 72. S. Kerridge
C: 51. J. Lamb, 32. N. Graham, 62. B. Boekhorst
HF: 5. B. Smedts, 14. L. Jones, 45. D. Thomas
F: 42. S. Petrevski-Seton, 19. H. McKay, 49. D. Armfield
R: 15. A. Phillips, 24. R. Palmer, 55. L. Sumner
Int: 80. M. Korcheck, 59. C. Byrne, 76. K. LeBois, 13. C. O’Shea, 8. L. Russell, 34. J. Glass-McCasker, 1. T. Wilson, 50. D. Gorringe, 31. P. Kerr, 56. A. Gallucci, 67. C. Polson, 60. J. Pickett
23P: 9. J. Corboy
This won't line up as named, but it is as strong a team as we can put down on paper. I don't expect any of the emergencies to play, but I may be wrong. Only 3 VFL players named and they are all on the bench, plus the 23rd man. I'm not sure I like it, but .....
Coburg
B: 42. H. Blythe, 10. S. Gregory, 19. M. Mattingly
HB: 4. K. Posar, 9. N. Blair, 15. J. Iacobaccio
C: 1. B. Allan, 26. L. Hunt, 5. R. Exon
HF: 35. C. Holdsworth, 12. P. McEvoy, 11. B. Mullane
F: 21. N. Dodge, 29. T. Goodwin, 3. H. Kerbatieh
R: 41. M. Kovacevic, 8. N. Mellington, 27. L. Bunker
Int: 28. C. Byrne, 14. M. Ercolano, 34. T. Curtis, 33. B. Bailey, 58. S. Lowson, 24. Z. Wunhym, 18. M. Merlo, 48. A. Rambaldi
23P: 50. A. Tilley
In: T. Curtis, M. Ercolano, C. Byrne, B. Bailey, Z. Wunhym, A. Rambaldi, A. Tilley
Out: P. Lawlor, J. Corigliano, M. Orr
NORTHERN BLUES v. COBURG
Round 8 – 10/06/2017
11:00 Preston City Oval
Northern Blues
B: 41. S. Glover, 25. K. Keppel, 22. C. McCabe
HB: 4. S. Russell, 34. J. Glass-McCasker, 6. G. Strachan
C: 3. K. Declase, 20. D. Stevens, 57. F. Pearce
HF: 76. K. LeBois, 50. D. Gorringe, 56. A. Gallucci
F: 60. J. Pickett, 27. A. Milham, 67. C. Polson
R: 80. M. Korcheck, 11. T. Jones, 21. C. Barrett
Int: 63. R. Maibaum, 53. H. Payne, 16. J. Thorpe, 46. J. Bradley, 24. T. Roos, 18. B. Jordan, 12. Z. Ballard, 30. S. Bolger, 52. S. Fowler, 23. C. Adams, 54. M. Romero, 44. W. Krithararis
This side is also looking about s strong as it can be.
Coburg
B: 17. S. Donnelly, 31. R. Free, 18. M. Merlo
HB: 23. J. McDonald, 48. A. Rambaldi, 47. M. Conn
C: 28. C. Byrne, 2. P. Lawlor, 33. B. Bailey
HF: 58. S. Lowson, 43. K. Brown, 38. D. Aujla
F: 49. R. Karpany, 46. J. Svarc, 24. Z. Wunhym
R: 34. T. Curtis, 14. M. Ercolano, 40. J. El Moussalli
Int: 54. C. McRorie, 44. C. Roberts, 55. G. Romios, 16. M. Betson, 52. C. Haberfield, 62. J. Sandric, 60. A. Mioni, 59. B. Barton, 32. R. Schraven, 56. J. Formosa, 51. C. McKay, 57. L. Waite, 53. B. Cannolo
In: P. Lawlor, A. Mioni, S. Lowson, M. Betson, J. Formosa, B. Cannolo, L. Waite, J. Svarc, M. Merlo
Out: T. Wallis
Weather permitting, I might wander along for a look see.
Weather permitting, I might wander along for a look see.
Good chance I'll be heading along as well, if so, I'll meet you in the pie queue!! ;)
Good chance I'll be heading along as well, if so, I'll meet you in the pie queue!! ;)
Traditional rivals back in the VFA days and I watched many games at the Coburg oval and a few at Preston. Usually there'd be a posse of team mates from Coburg Ammos :)
Enjoy the game and I will be looking forward to another insightful report.
Is this game on radio or streamed anywhere?
Half way through the 1st nbs by 1pt.
Palmer, byrne, graham, macreadie, H... Better players...
Live updates here.
http://websites.sportstg.com/round_info.cgi?c=1-118-0-436949-0&pool=&fixture=124787094&a=MATCH
Up by 4 at 1/4 time. 18-14.
GOALS: Corboy, Lebois.
DISPOSALS: Palmer 12, Kerridge 9, O'Shea 8, Graham 8, Boekhorst 7, Wilson 6, Pickett 6.
Lost our intensity and Coburg grabbed the lead by 9 pts.
Good goal Billie S...
Gus lining up to take the lead. back...yep...goal
Jaksch in defence - ordinary. Coburg back in front...16 min mark
H mark and goal. Nbs by 4pts. 24 minutes gone 2nd qtr
All in blue at half time. Nbs 7.7 lead C 5.4. Goal on the siren from Kerr.
Liked: Byrne, White, Macreadie, Sheehan, Smedts, H, best for mine to half time is Palmer. Graham getting plenty of it but wasting it.
Lead 49-34 at half time.
DISPOSALS: Palmer 21, Wilson 18, Graham 16, Kerridge 16, Boekhorst 12, O'Shea 12.
GOALS: Boekhorst, Corboy, Kerr, Lebois, McKay, Sheehan, Smedts.
Highlight thus far has been watching Casey B... He really has picked up from where he left off. Running really well and his dispoals by foot have been perfect.
NBs inconsistent in the1st half... Lacked intensity then put on the burners for the last 10 minutes of the 2nd.
Thanks for the updates Baggers, appreciated
H and Pickett ripper consecutive goals... Nbs 10.10 C 5.4
Must mention White, been vg.
Coburg going head hunting...
Casey B still on the field in the3rd.
3/4 time. NBs 13.13 43pts up on Coburg 7.6.
Kerridge and Pickett prominent that qtr. Palmer, White, Sheehan, Smedts, H, Phillips all contributing well.
Boekhorst and Graham plenty of it but decisions not the best.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DB7ZTetUIAE6Ui_.jpg)
Not a lot of similarity to what was named on Thursday night.
GOALS: McKay 2, Smedts 2, Armfield, Boekhorst, Corboy, Kerr, Kerridge, Lebois, Phillips, Pickett.
AFL Vic Development League 2017
Northern Blues 2.2 4.6 7.7 13.9 (87)
Coburg 2.3 3.7 4.11 5.12 (42)
GOALS:
Northern Blues: Declase 2 Romero 2 Korcheck Krithararis Stevens Fowler Adams Glover Milham Ballard Maibaum
Coburg: McRorie Betson Wunhym Mioni Schraven
BEST:
Northern Blues: Jones Strachan Adams Stevens Declase Romero
Coburg: El Moussalli Conn Brown McDonald Schraven Byrne
3/4 time. NBs 13.13 43pts up on Coburg 7.6.
Kerridge and Pickett prominent that qtr. Palmer, White, Sheehan, Smedts, H, Phillips all contributing well.
Boekhorst and Graham plenty of it but decisions not the best.
the other irishman?
the other irishman?
Rested now. Obviously managed game time.
21 minute mark last qtr nbs by 29pts. Slack last qtr from us.
27 minutes final qtr nbs by 10 pts. Pathetic last qtr from us. Arrogance.
only 9 points now.....
Won by 9. That last qtr was dreadful.
Blues 14 - 16 - 100
Coburg 13 - 13 - 91
Not so good, but a win is a win.
Highlight thus far has been watching Casey B... He really has picked up from where he left off. Running really well and his dispoals by foot have been perfect.
Sensational news, he's something pretty special.
Blues 14 - 16 - 100
Coburg 13 - 13 - 91
Not so good, but a win is a win.
If we near cough up a 43pt lead tomorrow and fall in by 9 i'll take it.
If we got one thing out of today's game it was Casey Byrne back and running. The lad is good.
Looking at the half time stats, Palmer must have been decent. Kerridge as well.
GOALS: Corboy 2, McKay 2, Smedts 2, Armfield, Boekhorst, Kerr, Kerridge, Lebois, Phillips, Pickett
DISPOSALS: Graham 33, Kerridge 31, Palmer 28, Wilson 24, O'Shea 20.
Nick Graham is too good for this level. Palmer only 7 possessions after half time.
GOALS: Corboy 2, McKay 2, Smedts 2, Armfield, Boekhorst, Kerr, Kerridge, Lebois, Phillips, Pickett.
DISPOSALS: Graham 33, Kerridge 31, Palmer 28, Wilson 24, O'Shea 20.
GOALS: Corboy 2, McKay 2, Smedts 2, Armfield, Boekhorst, Kerr, Kerridge, Lebois, Phillips, Pickett.
DISPOSALS: Graham 33, Kerridge 31, Palmer 28, Wilson 24, O'Shea 20.
Great minds thin alike. :)
Simple question, why ply Daisy before Graham in the 1s?
Daisy should be gone come season's end. Adds nothing to the future of the Club.
Graham is 22, still young and shown he is at least capable at the top level and may well prove to be much better again.
He's not slow at all, finds the pill and can finish.
Great minds thin alike. :)
The greatest of minds this time...lol.
Simple question, why ply Daisy before Graham in the 1s?
He's a much better footballer.
Nick Graham is too good for this level.
but probably not good enough at AFL level either.
Simple question, why ply Daisy before Graham in the 1s?
Daisy should be gone come season's end. Adds nothing to the future of the Club.
Graham is 22, still young and shown he is at least capable at the top level and may well prove to be much better again.
He's not slow at all, finds the pill and can finish.
You already got an answer from me....and the coach....but we are both delusional according to you, so nothing anybody else is going to say is going to change your mind. ::)
Peter Jackson VFL 2017
Northern Blues 2.6 7.7 13.13 14.16 (100)
Coburg 2.2 5.4 7.6 13.13 (91)
GOALS:
Northern Blues: Smedts 2 McKay 2 Corboy 2 Pickett Kerridge Boekhorst Armfield Phillips LeBois Sheehan Kerr
Coburg: McEvoy 4 Tilley 2 Hunt 2 Dodge 2 Goodwin 2 Kerbatieh
BEST:
Northern Blues: Graham Phillips McKay O'Shea White Kerridge
Coburg: Gregory Allan Iacobaccio Mellington Tilley McEvoy
NB: No mention of Palmer, who had 21 possessions in the first half.
NB: No mention of Palmer, who had 21 possessions in the first half.
Didn't use it very well and went missing when the match was won and then almost lost.
Good to see McKay listed in the best players, we should give him a few senior games so that we can get a better idea whether he's got what it takes.
Jaksch is finished at Carlton by the looks of things, Buckley probably cooked as well.
Macreadie - showed his usual poise in defence
White - strong defensive effort but with a few turnovers
Buckley - just a solid game in defence
Sheehan - just a solid game in defence
Jaksch - nothing to write home about in defence - to me he is a competent lead up forward but not much chop as a defender
Byrne - ball skills and attacking dash made him look like an AFL player returning after injury - should be considered for selection as soon as his fitness reaches the required level
Kerridge - played back, forward and in midfield - plenty of disposals but some shocking mistakes - par for the course
Graham - BOG by the length of the Flemington straight - lots of possessions - lots of decisive dash - effective disposals
Boekhorst - solid game - one of our best three
Smedts - did some nice things - effective without being outstanding
Polson - started like a house on fire in the first term but then had his fire dampened by a close checking opponent
Phillips - looks to have all of the physical skills to play in the ruck - except the strength to take or sustain body position against his opponent - not many other ruck stocks to back up Kreuzer so he had better make further improvements before we trade someone else in
Palmer - would be a good player if he had Graham's speed and kicking skills
McKay - seemed to get a lot more time on the ground today (probably because Gorringe was in the early game) - looks to have a future and could press for senior selection now if he converted more of his set shots - is Rocca's time fully occupied with Levi?
Armfield - much better than in his horrid recent performance but unlikely to be pressing for senior selection anytime soon
Pickett was the pick of the three small forwards because he did more that the others on the occasions that he injected himself into the game - impressive attack on the ball and opponents led to quite a few free kicks against but also some positive outcomes
LeBois - has excellent speed and even more excellent acceleration - flashed brilliance twice in the first quarter but was invisible thereafter or was he injured and off the ground?
Gallucci - also has speed but not much else
Kerr - played forward (with some competitiveness) and as back-up ruck (without achieving anything other than giving Phillips a rest)
Glass-McCasker - solid defensive performance in the early game but the fact that he was playing in the early game indicates that he hasn't improved since he arrived
Korcheck - played in the early game - presumably so that he and Phillips could both get more ruck time - gets his hands to many ruck contests but never looked able to direct the ball to advantage against a spindly, lightweight opponent - more effective when that opponent was injured and his next opponent was lightweight and under-size - looks like Tarzan; you know the rest - can we trade him for one of the American giants playing at another club?
Gorringe - doesn't look like Tarzan but definitely plays like Jane - played exclusively as a forward but contributed little - seems to have physical skills but very limited intensity or effort for the contest - his only attribute comes if you are looking for a word to rhyme with 'orange'
Disappointing game in many respects, terrible inconsistency, maybe it was having 2 weeks off.
Mrs Baggers and I moved around the ground a bit so we could get a good look at Casey B and a few other blokes... also she insisted on watching in the sunshine rather than the grandstand! Went looking for RR at half time but couldn't find you :(
Josh should give the blokes a rocket after this hot/cold effort... there was a dash of lethargy which was more than apparent. When we put the foot down for 10 minutes in the third and then for a little longer in the 3rd, we were dominant.
Thoughts on some individual players:
Casey Byrne: poise, composure, confident, vocal... welcome back. Seems to have played around 2 1/2 qtrs. Was running freely and did a couple of dashes through half back, linking up in the centre and then running forward. Yummy. Just missed a terrific goal after linking up through the guts.
Macreadie: serviceable. Did some good things in the heat. Coming along nicely.
White: the general down back and did some very good things, as you would reasonably expect. Good leadership. Was BOG for mine. Love some of the lip he gave opponents.
Buckley: hard to comment on Dylan's game as he is playing very differently, as if he's learning a completely new way to play. Very disciplined game from him today
Gus: One of our better players without being outstanding. You're confident when he has the ball in his hands.
Jaksch: played exclusively down back. Took a couple of timely grabs at the end. Not much else.
Kerridge: got plenty of it and I know he was mentioned in the best players but he, like Graham, turned it over too much. But you have to acknowledge that he put in and was very important at crucial moments with his strength and smart positioning.
Boekhorst: not the same bloke I saw a few weeks ago, the one who busted a gut from contest to contest. Flashed in and out of the game with some impressive efforts, which is the best I could say. Linked well at times.
Smedts: you want to like Billie. He provided a spark with important deft efforts when we were in trouble, particularly in the second and third quarters. Sent down back in the final qtr to try and help quell the onslaught.l Concerned.
Den Den: was his usual self without being outstanding. Good on-field leadership.
(The advantage of moving around the ground on the fence is that you get to hear a lot more of the on-field banter - Den, White and Palmer were the most vocal and instructional.)
H: working much harder and impacting many more contests in the air and at ground level. Has caught Casboultitis with his goal kicking (the old Casboult, that is ;)).
Phillips: Flip was up against a huge lunatic, listening to what was coming out of his opponents mouth was hilarious. Anyway, Flip took some good grabs and worked hard in the ruck contests, winning his share.
Palmer: I know some may disagree but I thought this bloke was very instrumental in keeping us in the game in the first half with his endeavour and mongrel at the aggott, along with vocal instruction to team mates - no idea what happened to him in the last quarter, just non-existent... along with a number of his mates.
Le Bois: lively early and laid a couple of really good tackles, then faded.
Polson: probably a day he'd like to forget. Disappointing.
Pickett: some very good signs. Could have kicked a great running goal, he collected it just forward of the wing and took off leaving everyone in his wake and when he was about 30 metres from goal the bloke chasing him was illegally shepparded unnecessarily (stupidly) and the ball was given to the opposition by virtue of a free kick. Dumb footy... sorry, but it was a Preston bloke who infringed robbing Pickett of a ripper.
Graham: gave his all. Was winning the ball well but a few costly turnovers marred his efforts. Early in the last he tried to outrun a potential tackler which was dumb. The bloke caught him and the resultant turnover was critical to Coburg's comeback. Seemed to me that he tried to finesse at times and came undone. Great possession stats and some influential contributions but also some undisciplined efforts which'll make it hard for him to return to the seniors. Dirty Harry, "Man's got to know his limitations."
Gallucci: hard to see this effort, which was serviceable only, helping his cause re being at PP next year.
Kerr: struggled being second fiddle to H. Work in progress is the most positive thing I can say.
Preston boys: Wilson and O'Shea were the pick with strong efforts. This little Corboy fella deserves being watched.
Good to see McKay listed in the best players, we should give him a few senior games so that we can get a better idea whether he's got what it takes.
Jaksch is finished at Carlton by the looks of things, Buckley probably cooked as well.
Yep, we can forget Jaksch.
Bucks is an interesting one, be interesting to see how he does for the remainder of the year. As I mentioned in my humble summary, I thought he was very disciplined and seems to be changing his style. I'm cautiously optimistic.
Yep, we can forget Jaksch.
Hopefully we've also parted company with the bloke who paid pick 7 for him.
I assume that Samo was rested and didn't turn out for Northern?
I assume that Samo was rested and didn't turn out for Northern?
Yep, Samo didn't play today. The other two reserves, Graham and Smedts, both played today.
Hopefully we've also parted company with the bloke who paid pick 7 for him.
Pretty sure we have!
There are huge wraps on Byrne and I haven't seen a great deal of him. I am interested in how much of it is hype (next big Irishman) and how many that have seen a lot of him think he will not only be a good solid footballer, but in the words of Simmo and Gerard Healy, a star.
There are huge wraps on Byrne and I haven't seen a great deal of him. I am interested in how much of it is hype (next big Irishman) and how many that have seen a lot of him think he will not only be a good solid footballer, but in the words of Simmo and Gerard Healy, a star.
The best summary of Casey might be from the lips of BB, who commented after one of his games last year just before going down with a knee, that, "Looks like we've found a player..." or words to that effect. Ultimately, MIO, time will tell but he does display very good awareness, pace, decision making ability and disposal. Even though it was his first game in a year, he clearly looked a class above the rest at Preston today.
Thankyou to those who posted game reports.
Fantastic news for Byrne getting through managed time. His return to AFL will make selecting defenders interesting. Shame about Rowe, but who knows, maybe we'll see Jones do well down back.
Sounds like they took the foot off and nearly got caught out. Not good. Hopefully gave enough of a fright to teach the lesson.
Pleased Smedts, Gussy, and Pickett went OK. Hope Pickett can develop his defensive craft and be the quick small goal sneak we need.
Mrs Baggers and I moved around the ground a bit so we could get a good look at Casey B and a few other blokes... also she insisted on watching in the sunshine rather than the grandstand! Went looking for RR at half time but couldn't find you :(
Give Mrs Baggers my regards - she showed good judgement.
I was in my usual place for the first half then went to find some sunshine at half time and stayed in the sun thereafter.
How were the pies today - or were you on a short leash? C:-)
The best summary of Casey might be from the lips of BB, who commented after one of his games last year just before going down with a knee, that, "Looks like we've found a player..." or words to that effect. Ultimately, MIO, time will tell but he does display very good awareness, pace, decision making ability and disposal. Even though it was his first game in a year, he clearly looked a class above the rest at Preston today.
Yep
Hope Pickett can develop his defensive craft and be the quick small goal sneak we need.
Chased and tackled like a madman today - now he needs to show a bit of poise to avoid giving away so many free kicks.
Thanks for the reports B and RR.
Seems like there is some good things happening at the NB,s.
Thanks guys, hoping he turns out to be our bonus wild card.
It is a lot for a young man from Ireland to wear, but needless to say it would do the entire club the world of good if he can go on to live up to expectations.
Give Mrs Baggers my regards - she showed good judgement.
I was in my usual place for the first half then went to find some sunshine at half time and stayed in the sun thereafter.
How were the pies today - or were you on a short leash? C:-)
:)) :)) :)) Yes, I was rationed! She was looking forward to seeing your good self again, been too long. Next time. :)
Did you take a thermos of boiled water with you or was it too well done? ;)
Has anyone got a link to the goal Byrne kicked in last year's preseason? That alone, with his good solid games last year, is the stuff to get really excited about ;)
Of all the seconds Pickett, Byrne and Boekhorst are the 3 we really need to fire.
Thomas and Curnow occupying the wings are serviceable but we are desperate for pace to get us out of defence in a way that will hurt the opposition. Especially Pickett.
Thank you, RR and Baggers. Enjoyed reading your comments. I can certainly relate to them as well. Hopefully we can see more of Casey and Gussy soon.
Did you take a thermos of boiled water with you or was it too well done? ;)
:)) :)) :)) you know when Mrs Baggers makes a thermos of boiling water what there is (or isn't) in the thermos!!!
(sorry for the in jokes others reading this... let's just say that the kitchen isn't Mrs Baggers natural domain!)
Of all the seconds Pickett, Byrne and Boekhorst are the 3 we really need to fire.
Thomas and Curnow occupying the wings are serviceable but we are desperate for pace to get us out of defence in a way that will hurt the opposition. Especially Pickett.
Good pick-up. And all three are quick. Wouldn't hold my breath re Boekhorst, sadly.
Of all the seconds Pickett, Byrne and Boekhorst are the 3 we really need to fire.
Thomas and Curnow occupying the wings are serviceable but we are desperate for pace to get us out of defence in a way that will hurt the opposition. Especially Pickett.
Curnow provides grunt that those 3 won't.
They won't replace him as we are short of it in a big way
Curnow provides grunt that those 3 won't.
They won't replace him as we are short of it in a big way
I found Ed to be an acquired taste tbh, but having acquired it I think it's a fine vintage. :)
I found Ed to be an acquired taste tbh, but having acquired it I think it's a fine vintage. :)
Ed's attack on the contest and running have been strong qualities. I think his disposal has improved a bit this year. Both quality and efficiency IMO. Haven't checked it, just an observation. So yes, maturing to suit my pallette too.
Of all the seconds Pickett, Byrne and Boekhorst are the 3 we really need to fire.
Thomas and Curnow occupying the wings are serviceable but we are desperate for pace to get us out of defence in a way that will hurt the opposition. Especially Pickett.
I reckon Boakhorst will be gone at the end of the season.
As for Ed Curnow, he would be in the first few picked every week. And that won't change in 2018.
I reckon Boakhorst will be gone at the end of the season.
As for Ed Curnow, he would be in the first few picked every week. And that won't change in 2018.
I agree - this is not about dropping Ed which clearly won't happen. It's about us having a better option that a good tagger / in and under player as our first choice winger. Let Ed go play in and under - we are desperately short of speed at the minute. Wright, SOS, Thomas, Curnow, Cunningham, Gibbs, Cripps, etc. - all have their uses but they aren't quick.
I found Ed to be an acquired taste tbh, but having acquired it I think it's a fine vintage. :)
x2...Took me a while but he has Carrazzo type traits and you need a couple of good Indians to play with your Chiefs and Ed is one of those no nonsense
players who gives you all he has each week...
I agree - this is not about dropping Ed which clearly won't happen. It's about us having a better option that a good tagger / in and under player as our first choice winger. Let Ed go play in and under - we are desperately short of speed at the minute. Wright, SOS, Thomas, Curnow, Cunningham, Gibbs, Cripps, etc. - all have their uses but they aren't quick.
Cuningham not quick?
Hmmm.
If you were going to play Boekhorst this is probably the game...GC are quick, like to run the ball and play more of an outside game where they back their players one on one and are not overly physical.
Dont have a problem playing Mckay, probably good marking conditions up North and other than a thug like May they dont have much much size down back...