Our next game is against Sandringham at 1410 on Saturday 25th. Our team will be missing at least 1 of the emergencies that will be named next Thursday.
It will be very interesting to see who plays.
Message from the Northern Blues:
This weekend’s games with Sandringham will be played at Preston City Oval.
Both the Development and VFL fixtures have been moved from Ikon Park to Preston City Oval this weekend.
The Development game has been pushed 10 minutes forward and will commence at 11am, while the VFL match will still take place at 2:10pm.
The game will also still be broadcast live on Channel 7, with coverage commencing at 2pm on Saturday.
Northern and Sandringham come into the game in good form, with both sides having won their past three VFL games and are undefeated since May.
Thanks!
For those who have missed the news, the VFL game this week has been shifted from Carlton to Preston. I am not sure why, but I am sure someone will know. :)
But the biggest thing about this game is that we are on TV! Yes, Channel 7 have finally decided to show the NBs, after more than half the season has gone. In fact, because of the restricted number of AFL games, Channel 7 has decided to show 2 VFL games until the end of the Bye rounds.
It will be interesting to see if we can get on TV again!
Good news also in the probable availability of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow.
Boekhorst and Cunningham are still definite non-starters, probably for another 2-3 weeks according to Andrew McKay.
No news about Jamo: I'd say he is unlikely to play until he gets out of the news blackout that has surrounded him since his milestone game some weeks ago. There have been rumours going around, but the last official word from the club had him as 'sick'. Make of that as you will.
Good news also in the probable availability of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow.
http://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/2016-06-22/wait-over-for-charlie-harry
Apparently Bolton has just confirmed via Twitter that both McKay & Curnow Jr. will definitely be playing for the Northern Blues this weekend.
Apparently Bolton has just confirmed via Twitter that both McKay & Curnow Jr. will definitely be playing for the Northern Blues this weekend.
Yes.
Sounded like Bolts has a fair opinion of Harry.
Apparently Bolton has just confirmed via Twitter that both McKay & Curnow Jr. will definitely be playing for the Northern Blues this weekend.
Two more reasons to watch the game even if only on TV. :)
Finally a NB's game on telly! How excitement :D
Footy overload on Saturday.
Finally a NB's game on telly! How excitement :D
Footy overload on Saturday.
........and apparently you can stream it from outside Vic as well.
Yes.
Sounded like Bolts has a fair opinion of Harry.
So have I after I saw him at Box Hill oval deep in conversation with forward coach Shane Watson. Charlie Curnow was also involved.
Of course, my opinion isn't quite as important as Bolton's ;)
Finally might get to see Jack, Big H and Charlie all in the forward line together
Northern Blues v Sandringham
Saturday 25th June, 2016
Preston City Oval at 2.10pm
Northern Blues
B: 7. D Buckley 31. J Foster 4. S Russell
HB: 26. M Dick 34. J Glass-Mccasker 47. C Sheehan
C; 38. B Gowers 42. M Whiley 65. D Viojo
HF: 10. T Totevski 48. K Jaksch 23. H Kerbatieh
F: 2. J Silvagni 14. L Jones 1. T Wilson
R: 36. C Wood 37. T Jones 32. N Graham
Int: 67. C Smith 24. T Roos 22. D Aujla 12. Z Ballard 45. D Stevens 6. G Strachan 80. M Korcheck 35. K Declase
23P 21. C Barrett
If this team lined up this way, it would be pretty impressive. Unfortunately, at least 2 of the Emergencies will be in Sydney, and Silvagni could well be among them. Korchek will definitely play.
Sandringham
B: 20. E Le Grice 1. T Simpkin 78. J Baker-Thomas
HB: 44. B Murdoch 73. N Coughlan 65. B White
C: 39. C Shenton 32. J Lonie 66. J Sinclair
HF: 68. J Saunders 47. J Fisscher 12. K Ong
F: 8. T Dennis-Lane 77. J Holmes 70. D McKenzie
R: 71. L Pierce 9. M Cook 34. E Templeton
Int: 36. B Payne 75. B Rice 16. M Hayes 63. N O'Kearney 3. L Verma 2. K Answerth 11. M Wilkins 6. S McLaren
23P: 55. N Pavlou
I wonder if Rice will play on Silvagni?
Northern Blues vs Sandringham
Saturday 25th June, 2016
Preston City Oval at 11.00 am
Northern Blues
B: 84. M Vesnaver 50. B Jordan 22. D Aujla
HB: 6. G Strachan 41. J Cripps 54. C McCabe
C: 35. K Declase 25. A Brown 24. T Roos
HF: 58. C Curnow 19. H McKay 9. J Corboy
F: 30. S Bolger 29. B Casley 82. D Iermano
R: 80. M Korcheck 12. Z Ballard 45. D Stevens
Int: 53. H Payne 57. B Lamanna 55. W Krithararis 70. S Peet 64. L Jacques 66. M Dawson 52. J Booth 28. J Collins 69. B Hawkes 78. M Walson 68. M Maynard 74. B Malual
Sandringham
B: 16. M Hayes 61. L Hiscock 17. W McTaggart
HB: 14. T Grace 6. S McLaren 59. J Wallace
C: 23. M Hooy 15. D Weickhardt 22. T Thompson
HF: 52. J Haidon 30. J Fox 27. C McKay
F: 46. K Lopo 19. J Dobosz 79. H Johnson
R: 45. C Kelso 11. M Wilkins 3. L Verma
Int: 80. D James 62. C Riley 54. J Williams 28. D Waterman 24. B Coates 60. D Rendell 25. R Harris 50. J Woodman 51. J Davis 26. T Cameron 57. K Parsons
Those who turn up early this Saturday will get to see Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay in action. Wish I could be there!
........and apparently you can stream it from outside Vic as well.
Nice, spewing Curnow and McKay are in the magoos of the magoos but heres hoping they get through unscathed and can get some decent games under their belt in VFL this year. Any senior games are a bonus
Unfortunately Charlie's out with a minor ankle. I look forward to celebrate his return. Bugger of a run for the young fella.
hate it when seniors and magoos play same time. this one needs to be on TV
Hqrry McKay played first half of the development league game. Quiet first quarter then 3 marks and kicks in the opening 6 minutes of the second. Finished up for the day at half time, back said to feel fine. 5 disposals 3 marks all up.
Devos lead 11.4. 70 to 7.10 52 at 3QT.
By the way final 23 for the firsts released - Silvagni and Graham named but no Whiley so I guess he is the travelling emergency.
Watching VFL, cannot believe how much some of the guys have thinned down, even Korcheck looks lighter.
Buckley to Silvagni GO
Buckley to Silvagni GO
I think Silvagni now has 12.2 from the past 3 and a bit games.
Silvagni off into the rooms with an ankle injury.
Watching VFL, cannot believe how much some of the guys have thinned down, even Korcheck looks lighter.
Yes, thought the same about Clem Smith and Buckley.
I'm affraid KJ was a mistake, he aint gonna make it. Neither are DVR or Foster for that matter.
Silvagni off into the rooms with an ankle injury.
Back out there, looks fine.
I'm affraid KJ was a mistake, he aint gonna make it. Neither are DVR or Foster for that matter.
Jaksch has kicked 17 goals this year including two lots of 3 and two lots of 4. That includes alot of time in defence.
Glad the club don't make decisions based on one half of VFL football.
Jaksch has kicked 17 goals this year including two lots of 3 and two lots of 4. That includes alot of time in defence.
Glad the club don't make decisions based on one half of VFL football.
Well he looks bloody terrible out there, fluffing kicks, no intensity. I can see (in just a half of VFL footy), why he isn't playing in the 1's.
what are the scores?
what are the scores?
18min mark of the 3rd, NB 41 Sandy 75
18min mark of the 3rd, NB 41 Sandy 75
NB 47 Sandy 75, goal to DVR
Well he looks bloody terrible out there, fluffing kicks, no intensity. I can see (in just a half of VFL footy), why he isn't playing in the 1's.
Emphasising today, not the season, a huge difference. Hasn't had a good season and kicked a number of goals for nothing. Take the season into account, not a crappy half game and you'll get a better perspective. You've seen crap for half a game I was at the Geelong game where he dominated, took a number of great contested marks and kicked 3 goals, which he has a done a number of times this year. Which one's right? If you judged everyone on one bad game they'd all be duds including the greats.
Vojo-Rainbow hasn't been bad but by gee there aren't too many putting pressure on the senior team, at least Vojo-Rainbow looks as though he's a decent kick of the ball.
I was hoping to see Sheehan show a bit more and I agree that Jaksch won't make it, too slow in mind and body for AFL footy, a bit like Watson.
Half way through the last quarter and we are NOT going to win, especially as there is a little fatigue on show. However, that is not the reason we are going to lose. Our structural issues are the reason we are not going to win.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ClxSuTZVAAA594x.jpg:large)
[1] Ruck: Cam Wood is cooked. For a guy who was so good early in his career for us, he is just not providing what we require. Especially as we need experience and leadership. I am really disappointed as he looked like he had 'matured' and raised his intensity. Alas, he couldn't keep it up. We will need another ruckman in 2016.
Korchek is just learning, but he is coming along quite reasonably. He isn't the answer yet, as he is not getting a lot of possessions.
[2] Midfield: We are really struggling in that area, especially as we are NOT getting 1st opportunity. Our centre structure requires improvement, as I have mentioned a number of times. We do not have a lot of pace in the middle, and our structures do not handle losing in the ruck well. Today Nick Graham was reasonable, but he spent a lot of time seeing the ball going down his opponents' throats. Tom Wilson was reasonable and Jones was really down today.
Buckey was OK and needs to spend more time in the middle.
DISPOSALS: Dick 33, Wilson 28, Viojo-Rainbow 23, Graham 21, T. Jones 19, Kerbatieh 19, Ballard 18.
Dick was good value, while Skittles played his best game for the year.
Vojo-Rainbow hasn't been bad but by gee there aren't too many putting pressure on the senior team, at least Vojo-Rainbow looks as though he's a decent kick of the ball.
I was hoping to see Sheehan show a bit more and I agree that Jaksch won't make it, too slow in mind and body for AFL footy, a bit like Watson.
Jaksch first shocker today in a season that's been terrific. Like I said before, there's more to a career than one game, something which is foreign to many supporters. I've seen other games where he's marked well, led well and kicked multiple goals a number of occasions. Today nothing but two of the 3 previous games kicked 4 each. 17 for the season and played well in defence when he's played there. Contested marking isn't far off Casboult's. Has a few workrate issues, which are holding him back but he's nothing like Watson.
Jaksch first shocker today in a season that's been terrific. Like I said before, there's more to a career than one game, something which is foreign to many supporters. I've seen other games where he's marked well, led well and kicked multiple goals a number of occasions. Today nothing but two of the 3 previous games kicked 4 each. 17 for the season and played well in defence when he's played there. Contested marking isn't far off Casboult's. Has a few workrate issues, which are holding him back but he's nothing like Watson.
Depends what you think far means!
AFL Victoria Development League
Northern Blues 3.1 6.3 11.4 13.5 (83)
Sandringham 3.4 5.8 7.10 10.10 (70)
GOALS:
Northern Blues: Corboy 2 Stevens 2 Dawson Malual Bolger Cripps Payne Iermano Hawkes Strachan Jacques
Sandringham: Dobosz 3 Haidon 3 Iudica McKay Fox Davis
BEST:
Northern Blues: Stevens Jordan Casley Dawson Lamanna Jacques
Sandringham: Wallace Kelso Haidon Weickhardt Dobosz Hooy
This is a pretty decent effort, especially considering that Harry McKay only played half a game (making us effectively a man down thereafter) and our only real ruckman, Aurrichio, did not play. Good kicking is good footy, and we did it today.
Julian Dobosz is a Tasmanian lad who looked very draftable a few years back. I thought he might be worth going after: I was wrong. However, he has come over to the VFL this year.
Peter Jackson VFL 2016
Northern Blues 3.1 4.3 8.5 9.8 (62)
Sandringham 4.5 9.9 11.16 13.24 (102)
GOALS:
Northern Blues: Viojo 3 Silvagni 2 Buckley 2 Jones Kerbatieh
Sandringham: O'Kearney 3 Shenton 3 Murdoch 2 Dennis-Lane 2 Holmes Pierce Payne
BEST:
Northern Blues: Wilson Dick Viojo Kerbatieh Totevski Graham
Sandringham: Murdoch Templeton Simpkin Fisscher O'Kearney Shenton
DISPOSALS: Dick 33, Wilson 28, Viojo-Rainbow 23, Graham 21, T. Jones 19, Kerbatieh 19, Ballard 18.
Jaksch first shocker today in a season that's been terrific. Like I said before, there's more to a career than one game, something which is foreign to many supporters. I've seen other games where he's marked well, led well and kicked multiple goals a number of occasions. Today nothing but two of the 3 previous games kicked 4 each. 17 for the season and played well in defence when he's played there. Contested marking isn't far off Casboult's. Has a few workrate issues, which are holding him back but he's nothing like Watson.
Jaksch jagged his goals last game and his effort was far off what was required of a VFL player. My observations of Jaksch in the two games I've seen seem fairly close to Fraser's appraisals over the season and I suspect that Jaksch won't make it. I hope I'm wrong because we desperately need a genuine key forward and one who can go back when required is like gold.
My take on today's loss:
Jack Silvagni: struggled to get into the game, but seeing that we had so few forward 50 entries and almost no decent ball movement, out forwards were never going to have big days. His footy smarts were good, but his kicking boot was not on: 2 goals 3 behinds could well have been 4 or 5 goals.
I didn't see him leading much, but we didn't play in a way that would have helped a leading forward.
A possible for Collingwood, but I probably wouldn't promote him on this game.
Dylan Buckley: There were times today when Buckley was REALLY good. He had some fantastic passages with some real dash. But them he periods where he simply did not get near the ball. I liked his endeavour and his finishing, but he needs to be given some time in the middle.
I wouldn't be promoting him on this effort, but I would be looking forward with some hope.
Liam Jones: Liam was very dangerous today and took a number of really good pack marks. However, he got most of his kicks well up the ground - it was his only chance to get near the ball. I did NOT see the fanatical chasing and tackling of a few weeks ago in the seniors, but he did have 2nd efforts and he was a useful contributor.
Matthew Dick: started slowly, but really warmed up. He was very close to our best player, not just through weight of possessions.
Maybe worth a spot of Tutt is dropped.
Jayden Foster: not too bad and got some ball, but he was beaten when it really mattered and he made some terrible choices by foot.
At this point I would say that he probably will not be with us next year. However, I do freely admit he is developing and has shown something at times. Just not enough. He loses crucial 1 on 1 contests.
Nick Graham: very good early, but drifted out of the game. I loved the way he put himself in, but with us struggling in the ruck for most of the game, he was rarely in the position to stop opposing mids in the centre.
I wouldn't be promoting him on this game.
Jesse Glass-McCasker: probably his best game for us so far. He got quite a few possessions, showed some run and (mostly) good decision making in defence. He took some nice marks and made some nice spoils. I almost didn't recognize him with his hair cut. :) He looked to have a real future on this effort.
Cameron Wood: In his first season for us, and early last year, Wood made a believer out of me. His ruck work wasn't great, but he took the game on and took some fine marks and kicked some crucial goals. But now he is not playing with that same enthusiasm or spirit. Maybe he knows that guys have gone past him? Whatever. His game lacked the leadership we really needed. He rarely jumped off the ground and he took very few marks. He is not going to be with us next year.
Billy Gowers: truly he has bulked up from last year and he showed a lot of enthusiasm and spirit. he also made some lethal mistakes. He was definitely down compared to his recent form, but was not our worst by a long way.
Ciaran Sheehan: Gussy was looking pretty good until he got injured. After that he came back on a couple of times, but he was struggling. Get him fit and he will be a senior player.
Kristian Jaksch: this was probably his worst game for some time. Things did not work for him. he struggled to get to contests and wasn't holding his marks. His kicking was off target and he was merely serviceable in defence. He can't be judged on this game alone, but he really hurt his supporters with today's disappointing effort.
Dillon Viojo Rainbow: Starting on the wing did not help him, as he was out of the play early. St Kilda - sorry, Sandringham - went mainly down the centre and spotted their kicks well, giving him little chance to make an impact. However, he really lifted his game and showed how dangerous his kick can be. He put his head over the ball and ended up with 23 possessions.
He might be in the thoughts of selectors if he can repeat this sort of thing, as it was this sort of play that got us excited early in the season.
Clem Smith: does some nice things but does not get enough of the ball. Simple as that.
Matt Korchek: coming along nicely. he only had a few possessions today, but he moved well, he competed well and he got our only real taps to advantage. He still has a LONG way to go, but he is looking promising.
Jaksch first shocker today in a season that's been terrific. Like I said before, there's more to a career than one game, something which is foreign to many supporters. I've seen other games where he's marked well, led well and kicked multiple goals a number of occasions. Today nothing but two of the 3 previous games kicked 4 each. 17 for the season and played well in defence when he's played there. Contested marking isn't far off Casboult's. Has a few workrate issues, which are holding him back but he's nothing like Watson.
Flogging a dead horse, LAJ, pumping up Jaksch's tyres. I've seen most of his games this year and today's was only a little down - made the usual mistakes and demonstrated his poor movement, it's as if his hips and lower spine are all fused together! He has had some very good quarters and reasonable games but his lack of consistency is what keeps him out of senior contention.
Very ordinary game from the NB's..its not like Sandy are star studded either....
Buckley.....couple of goals and did a few good things but also got caught a couple of times and turned the footy over....I was a bit disappointed
in him and expected more class and nous...
Dick....plenty of the ball but also turned it over plenty of times, fumbles, drops marks and is a good VFL player only..
Foster...a few spoils down back but not much else....gone..
Glass-McCasker...was impressed, athletic, plays with some intensity and looks like he know what he is doing....defends well and also gives a bit rebound.
Needs a few more kegs to play on the real big blokes but he is a keeper IMO and will be a player...
Gowers....solid performer, like JGM seems to know what he is doing, has put on a bit more size which helped him get away from a few tackles
and gave us a bit of run, not super quick but not slow either. Probably needs to work on his kicking but shows some promise, would need
to keep playing well though to get an upgrade as his main problem is he doesnt have any real weapons other than being a solid player..
Jones...nope not for me today, took a few marks later in the day but disappears from the game too often...
Jaksch...disappointing, just no intensity or effort, he has the ability and skill level but like Everitt only plays when he feels like it....
Graham....same old same old from NG...gets the footy ok but at the end of the game you can never remember what he actually did that impacted on the result..
Viojo Rainbow....interesting player, looks stylish at times and has the big left foot which got him 3 goals today but can also look half ar$ed
when the ball needs to be won and he needs to so something special to win it...did contest well at times and shows he can play but I remain unconvinced...
Wood....looks like he is done and dusted...
Korchek...the odd good tap out but seemed overawed by his fellow American Holmes at times and lacked awareness and physical presence and I wasnt that taken with
his game...
Smith....didnt see much of him and I'd say he is on the chopping block ...
Jack S.....has the skills , didnt get much supply from his mates, but looks a class above most of them and is going to be a excellent footballer..
Sheehan...got injured during the game and was quiet early but when he did get back on the ground I though he improved as the game went on....not as athletic or speedy as Byrne but uses the ball well and seems composed....wouldnt want to miss too many games with injury though as he might be a casualty at seasons end...
Of the VFL guys:
Tom Wilson: Other than Graham, he was about the only player who get a clearance for us. Pity he is not quick. But he is a gutsy performer.
Sam Russell: a couple of very nice things, but not enough really. He does a reasonable negative job, but he doesn't give a lot of drive.
Tim Totevski: this little guy shows a bit. He isn't slow and he can kick a goal, but his kicking is not long. Worth a VFL game and will be reasonable until we add some more talent to the VFL side of the list.
Zach Ballard: I get a bit frustrated with Ballard. There are time when he shows a fair bit, then there are other times when he struggles to get possessions and makes stupid mistakes. He can be really gutsy, but he can also ruin things. Today he got a reasonable amount of ball, but he didn't do much to stop his opponent.
Cameron Barrett: played his 1st game as 23rd man and showed he will get more.
Daman Aujla: he did some nice things, but he is another whose kicked can let him down. He is improving, though. He did a reasonable job in defence and will be better for the experience each time he plays.
Hisham Kerbatieh: I like this kid. Apparently SOS invited him down. He still needs to work on his tank, as his test results were about as bad as any guy who went through the Draft Camp, but he knows where the goals are and he has some decent depth in his kicking. He was dangerous today, but the ball just didn't spend enough time in our forward line.
Tyler Roos: his kicking really needs some work. Doesn't get enough of the pill yet, but looked promising in patches. Work rate? Probably not going to be an AFL player.
Tim Jones: had probably his worst game in VFL senior footy. Normally this guy gets clearances and plenty of ball, but he just couldn't get into the play at all. We really missed out on his drive, while opponents really hurt us.
Looking at these guys we have probably increased the talent on the VFL side of the list compared to last year, but we really do lack someone with real on-field leadership. Pace and skill also need some improvements, and not just on the VFL side of things. We probably don't have anyone who is worth promoting, except Kerbatieh. But at least we do not have the lack of spirit or team cohesion of late last year. AFL listed players are willing to use VFL types and visa versa. But we are not going to challenge at this level until we can fix up the midfield. That looks to be a real Achilles' Heel.
Very ordinary game from the NB's..its not like Sandy are star studded either....
Buckley.....couple of goals and did a few good things but also got caught a couple of times and turned the footy over....I was a bit disappointed
in him and expected more class and nous...
Dick....plenty of the ball but also turned it over plenty of times, fumbles, drops marks and is a good VFL player only..
Foster...a few spoils down back but not much else....gone..
Glass-McCasker...was impressed, athletic, plays with some intensity and looks like he know what he is doing....defends well and also gives a bit rebound.
Needs a few more kegs to play on the real big blokes but he is a keeper IMO and will be a player...
Gowers....solid performer, like JGM seems to know what he is doing, has put on a bit more size which helped him get away from a few tackles
and gave us a bit of run, not super quick but not slow either. Probably needs to work on his kicking but shows some promise, would need
to keep playing well though to get an upgrade as his main problem is he doesnt have any real weapons other than being a solid player..
Jones...nope not for me today, took a few marks later in the day but disappears from the game too often...
Jaksch...disappointing, just no intensity or effort, he has the ability and skill level but like Everitt only plays when he feels like it....
Graham....same old same old from NG...gets the footy ok but at the end of the game you can never remember what he actually did that impacted on the result..
Viojo Rainbow....interesting player, looks stylish at times and has the big left foot which got him 3 goals today but can also look half ar$ed
when the ball needs to be won and he needs to so something special to win it...did contest well at times and shows he can play but I remain unconvinced...
Wood....looks like he is done and dusted...
Korchek...the odd good tap out but seemed overawed by his fellow American Holmes at times and lacked awareness and physical presence and I wasnt that taken with
his game...
Smith....didnt see much of him and I'd say he is on the chopping block ...
Jack S.....has the skills , didnt get much supply from his mates, but looks a class above most of them and is going to be a excellent footballer..
Sheehan...got injured during the game and was quiet early but when he did get back on the ground I though he improved as the game went on....not as athletic or speedy as Byrne but uses the ball well and seems composed....wouldnt want to miss too many games with injury though as he might be a casualty at seasons end...
Good stuff, EB1. Very realistic summation.
Strange how our previous senior coach was seduced by this guy early on in his career!!
Smith....didnt see much of him and I'd say he is on the chopping block ...
Strange how our previous senior coach was seduced by this guy early on in his career!!
Smith....didnt see much of him and I'd say he is on the chopping block ...
Seduced by the story and Shifter Sheehan calling him "the steal of the draft" because a year previous he was considered a possible high draft pick.
They appear to be trying him in a few different spots but he has no impact on games.
Kinda disappointed with the NB's as there wasn't many real standouts who are putting there hand up for selection.
For mine there were 2 players who stood out.
Silvagni - Didn't get much of it, but everything that came his way he was all over. Got his first goal from a contest most people would've given up on as it was a long kick to the advantage of his opponent Forced his way into the contest to spoil, ball basically fell into his arms. His opponent fell over and he was aware enough to play on and run into an open goal.
That 1 contest shows me that he has the
- hunger to compete,
- natural ability to get in for the spoil and keep his feet
- footy nous to be aware of his surrounding and take advantage of it
Add to the above the fact that he is a very good kick of the ball, lovely action and follow through and you can ink him in for best 22 in the future.
Buckley - While it was far from a great game by him, he showed with his pace and hunger to get to contests and try and influence them that he isn't 'shot' just yet. While it is a big step up to AFL level, if he can work on his kicking and consistency, there is still hope for him yet.
Nothing from anyone else really stood out as unique or worthy of a spot in the 1's. Some people might get a crack, but i don't think any are long term solutions.
Kinda disappointed with the NB's as there wasn't many real standouts who are putting there hand up for selection.
Was a little disturbing, nobody stood out for me,.
Sandringham basically bullied the NBs lighter bodies. If you are physically intimidated at VFL level you are a world away from being competitive in the AFL.
I was shocked to see how much weight/bulk/condition a number of our players have lost over the last few months. If this is deliberate it says something about where our game plan is headed, if it not it is a damning assessment of our strength and conditioning staff.
Was a little disturbing, nobody stood out for me,.
Sandringham basically bullied the NBs lighter bodies. If you are physically intimidated at VFL level you are a world away from being competitive in the AFL.
I was shocked to see how much weight/bulk/condition a number of our players have lost over the last few months. If this is deliberate it says something about where our game plan is headed, if it not it is a damning assessment of our strength and conditioning staff.
I think its not just about our game plan, but the game in general.
With the interchange cap and no sub rule, you need to be able to run for longer. Less bulk allows for this.
Traditional bully boys like Geelong are getting found out against teams who run around them like the sainters last night.
(http://i.imgur.com/UIDmpPU.png)
We really struggled to find the ball: the comparative stats are damning: 5 NBs on the bottom, 4 Zebras at the top. :(
chat with a mate that watched the game he said glass-mcasker is a really good defender and best player for NB i didnt watch the game and other than one or two posters no one has really given him a wrap just want to know if he really did play that well?
chat with a mate that watched the game he said glass-mcasker is a really good defender and best player for NB i didnt watch the game and other than one or two posters no one has really given him a wrap just want to know if he really did play that well?
Probably slightly exaggerated, but not
that much. He had a good game. He was rarely beaten in the air and he provided some nice run out of defence. Probably his best game for us so far.
However, there were few other guys who were OK, although none REALLY took the game by the neck.
Probably slightly exaggerated, but not that much. He had a good game. He was rarely beaten in the air and he provided some nice run out of defence. Probably his best game for us so far.
However, there were few other guys who were OK, although none REALLY took the game by the neck.
I must say I liked the look of Billy Gowers, liked his attitude and attack on the ball. Needs a bit of polish and while lacking a standout trait, could develop into something.
Viojo Rainbow....interesting player, looks stylish at times and has the big left foot which got him 3 goals today but can also look half ar$ed when the ball needs to be won and he needs to so something special to win it...did contest well at times and shows he can play but I remain unconvinced... Me too, although this was the best game I have seen from him.
Wood....looks like he is done and dusted... Big fall from a moderate AFL stop-gap last year to a sub-VFL player this year.
Sheehan...got injured during the game and was quiet early but when he did get back on the ground I though he improved as the game went on....not as athletic or speedy as Byrne but uses the ball well and seems composed....wouldnt want to miss too many games with injury though as he might be a casualty at seasons end... Looked much better than he did against Frankston and will hopefully continued to find some touch but, as you say, needs to show some durability.
Fair and reasonable review EB
I must say I liked the look of Billy Gowers, liked his attitude and attack on the ball. Needs a bit of polish and while lacking a standout trait, could develop into something.
Yes, Billy Gowers impressed me against the Box Hill Hawks. He wasn't quite as good yesterday but I think he has a future and is worth persevering with.
Glass-McCasker is another who was a bit down on his last game but was still among our better players. I recall that there was a question mark over his kicking when he was rookied but his disposal by foot is pretty good.
Apart from some glimpses from SOJ, the Carlton-listed players didn't really show a lot. Viojo-Rainbow did some good things and kicked goals, Buckley had a dip but needs to do a lot more, Jones took some nice marks but was missing for long periods, Jaksch was ordinary, Smith didn't enough, Dick was good, Sheehan showed a bit but had injury problems, Graham was OK but really should be dominating at that level and Wood was average.
Korcheck was too easily out-bodied by smaller opponents. Whoever is working with him needs to instil a desire to impose himself on opponents and the game generally.
Is Whiley injured? He was OK in the last game.
Korcheck was too easily out-bodied by smaller opponents. Whoever is working with him needs to instil a desire to impose himself on opponents and the game generally.
I'm a bit shocked to see how much bulk he has lost, it will take him some time to get used to his new lighter frame.
I'm a bit shocked to see how much bulk he has lost, it will take him some time to get used to his new lighter frame.
Korchek wont ever be a pretty player and needs to get a few videos on how Mike Pyke from the Swans played the game and transitioned into AFL..Pyke was next to hopeless early and
probably showed less than Korchek but he gave away trying to be the next Jim Stynes or Simon Madden and just bashed and crashed his way around the oval and contested everything that came his way....eventually it turned around for him as he started winning more ball and his skills improved .
I think Korchek needs to be let off the leash and told to go for it....crash some packs, sure, make some mistakes, give frees away etc but let him be the competitive beast he was at basketball and forget about tip-toeing around the ground like a ballet dancer....
Is Whiley injured? He was OK in the last game.
I may be mistaken but I thought I saw him in the rooms at the GWS game. I thought I saw him listening in to a conversation btw Barker at the players, it may have been someone else though.
Kinda disappointed with the NB's as there wasn't many real standouts who are putting there hand up for selection.
For mine there were 2 players who stood out.
Silvagni - Didn't get much of it, but everything that came his way he was all over. Got his first goal from a contest most people would've given up on as it was a long kick to the advantage of his opponent Forced his way into the contest to spoil, ball basically fell into his arms. His opponent fell over and he was aware enough to play on and run into an open goal.
That 1 contest shows me that he has the
- hunger to compete,
- natural ability to get in for the spoil and keep his feet
- footy nous to be aware of his surrounding and take advantage of it
Add to the above the fact that he is a very good kick of the ball, lovely action and follow through and you can ink him in for best 22 in the future.
Buckley - While it was far from a great game by him, he showed with his pace and hunger to get to contests and try and influence them that he isn't 'shot' just yet. While it is a big step up to AFL level, if he can work on his kicking and consistency, there is still hope for him yet.
Nothing from anyone else really stood out as unique or worthy of a spot in the 1's. Some people might get a crack, but i don't think any are long term solutions.
Did nobody think DVR stood out?
I thought he was awesome - brilliant kicking for goal... like shelling peas and showed real courage a couple of times. He's got real quality. Shame he hasn't been a bit more consistent this year. Guys like Tutt / Jones have to be put out to pasture. We need to give these younger guys a go now.
Jaksch was pretty good. Did some nice things when forward and had a steadying impact when thrown back. Stuffed if I know how he can't get a game. Bolton has to give a bit more of a reason for this one that just - form will dictate selection because that's crap. Brought Plowman in after a couple of very mediocre performances.
I don't think we've got selection right this year.
Did nobody think DVR stood out?
He didn't show me that he is worth a spot in the 1's, far from it.
He was one of the better ones on a day that we were largely poor.
He didn't show me that he is worth a spot in the 1's, far from it.
He was one of the better ones on a day that we were largely poor.
Skittles has started to string some decent games together but he has a way to go. Like most of the NBs, inconsistency holds him back.
Jaksch jagged his goals last game and his effort was far off what was required of a VFL player. My observations of Jaksch in the two games I've seen seem fairly close to Fraser's appraisals over the season and I suspect that Jaksch won't make it. I hope I'm wrong because we desperately need a genuine key forward and one who can go back when required is like gold.
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Jaksch had a quiet game but you can't kick 4+ every time you play.
Clean, calm, no fuss - where do you get the opinion that he won't make it?
Jaksch had a quiet game but you can't kick 4+ every time you play.
Clean, calm, no fuss - where do you get the opinion that he won't make it?
I was at the Box Hill Hawks game with Baggers, who has watched almost every NBs game this season. My observations of Jaksch agreed with what Baggers and other NBs watchers have been saying as well as Fraser's player assessments. Jaksch's best is very good but he performs at his best spasmodically and seems to lack the consistency of effort required to succeed as an AFL player.
As I said before, I hope I'm wrong.
Jaksch looked like he couldn't be bothered being out there IMHO.
Thought he thinks he has more time than he does, and I reckon he might think he's a better player than playing in the VFL too.
I saw Travis Cloke play against Casey Scorpions a couple of weeks back, and I couldn't tell he wasn't happy to be there and he worked as hard as he could to try and force his way back in.
If Jaksch pulls his finger out he'll get a game.
From the others Gowers was my standout.
Graham was ok too. He does well at the foot of the contest.
I didn't think wood was terrible and thought he competed well in the ruck, but sandy seemed much better drilled than we were and had a few better players in their team like Dennis-lane and Eli Templeton who are handy at AFL level.
NBs are severely lacking leadership and experience at the moment. Where's Jamo been? ???
There's plenty of pace and class on our injury list at the moment as well.
For mine there were several players that haven't yet played a game in the seniors and whilst not ready yet looked to have afl quality in them.
In no order:
Rainbow - running goal and bomb from outside 50 was gold
Glass makasker - good decision maker and clean skills
Silvagni - got all the tricks, lovely set shot but ha quiet patches
Gowers - tough hombre and is a great size with good skills
Buckley was pretty good also but we know what he would bring. Jacksh and jones were absolute garbage and not up to it imo
For mine there were several players that haven't yet played a game in the seniors and whilst not ready yet looked to have afl quality in them.
In no order:
Rainbow - running goal and bomb from outside 50 was gold
Glass makasker - good decision maker and clean skills
Silvagni - got all the tricks, lovely set shot but ha quiet patches
Gowers - tough hombre and is a great size with good skills
Buckley was pretty good also but we know what he would bring. Jacksh and jones were absolute garbage and not up to it imo
Agree with all that, DVR is running out of time though. I really want him to make it as he is a nice mover and has that silky smooth left foot.
Agree with all that, DVR is running out of time though. I really want him to make it as he is a nice mover and has that silky smooth left foot.
I had not previously seen much at all of DVR but in the few cameos he made last w/e he looked like a very exciting talent I agree GTC. Just a pity that there were all too few of them. He needs to get into the game a lot more and build a much higher profile.