This game is set for 1300 at Ikon Park on Saturday 29th July. Considering that we have now lost 6 in a row and still have the same old issues, I am not looking forward to this game.
We should have a better list available for this game, with the potential return of White, Marchbank and Byrne, but we are missing a lot of confidence and the midfield required to get a win.
Last weekend was ambarrassing, no too ways about it. It will take a lot of effort and more spirit than we've shown recently, but it is not Mission Impossible. Geelong are not impressive. However, they have not lost 6 in a row and thrown their finals' opportunities out the window.
NORTHERN BLUES v. GEELONG
Round 15 – 29/07/2017
01:00PM IKON Park
Northern Blues
B: 47. C. Sheehan, 34. J. Glass-McCasker, 25. K. Keppel
HB: 70. H. Macreadie, 13. C. O’Shea, 49. D. Armfield
C: 8. L. Russell, 5. B. Smedts, 62. B. Boekhorst
HF: 24. R. Palmer, 50. D. Gorringe, 76. K. LeBois
F: 55. L. Sumner, 48. K. Jaksch, 10. J. Pickett
R: 80. M. Korcheck, 32. N. Graham, 1. T. Wilson
Int: 4. S. Russell, 11. T. Jones, 6. G. Strachan, 3. K. Declase, 67. E. Penrith, 56. A. Gallucci, 12. Z. Ballard, 20. D. Stevens
23P: 45. M. Blakey
In: T. Wilson, M. Blakey, Z. Ballard, N. Graham, B. Boekhorst, H. Macreadie
Out: F. Pearce, M. Stavrou
Geelong
B: 75. C. Mitchell, 66. J. Edwards, 57. J. Guthrie
HB: 39. Z. Guthrie, 20. R. Gardner, 56. B. Reid
C: 37. S. Simpson, 74. J. Gow, 50. D. Capiron
HF: 30. T. House, 1. R. Stanley, 15. M. Hayball
F: 17. E. Ratugolea, 23. A. Black, 38. J. Henry
R: 45. R. Abbott, 58. B. Moloney, 51. J. Tsitas
Int: 41. J. Jones, 71. L. Spiteri, 62. C. Floyd, 53. J. Thompson, 63. S. Dobson, 59. L. Webb, 72. T. McMullan, 65. S. McLachlan
23P: 60. J. Blood
In: C. Floyd, R. Stanley, L. Spiteri, E. Ratugolea, J. Blood, Z. Guthrie, T. McMullan
Out: J. Thurlow, H. Kol, J. Berry
I must admit that this side looks a little stronger. We DO have a mid or 2 who can get the ball this week. The ruck is still a question mark. Hopefully we can show a little more spirit.
No Development League game this week.
A midfield of Graham, Boekhorst, Palmer, Smedts and Wilson is probably as good as most in the VFL although it's fairly one dimensional, Armfield can spend some time on the ball as well.
We should go a bit better this week.
We need to see much more from Pickett and Sumner at this level if they have senior aspirations, I've given up on Jaksch.
If you are relying on a forward line built around Jaksch to score I am afraid you will be sorely disappointed. Look at the other five named there, Gorringe, Palmer and three very very small players!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DF4BE7hUIAAA1NB.jpg)
GOALS: Jaksch 2, Gallucci, Stevens, Wilson.
DISPOSALS: Graham 15, Wilson 15, O'Shea 12, Sheehan 9, Palmer 9, Armfield 9.
What a difference that a few mid fielders make! Note: Graham and Wilson with 15 possessions each.
Jaksch has 2 goals. Let's see if he can make a case for a senior game before it is too late.
Not a lot of scoring in the 3rd term. Graham collided with a Geelong guy, which took up some time. Goals to Armfield and Smedts.
A goal to Black, brings the score back. :(
3/4 time and the Blues are front!
Northern Blues 7 - 4 - 46
Geelong 6 - 6 - 42
GOALS: Jaksch 2, Armfield, Gallucci, Smedts, Stevens, Wilson
DISPOSALS: Graham 27, Russell 19, Wilson 19, O'Shea 18, Palmer 18, Armfield 13
Another big quarter from Graham.
Thanks Crash.
Here's hoping NB's can keep the lead.
Big goal by Palmer for the 1st of the last quarter.
Pickett with another in less than 60 seconds!
More scoring this quarter. We are now 7 points in front due to 4 goals from Jaksch. 21 minutes into the last.
There's no doubting Graham's temperament or application, if only he had a little bit more ability. :(
Scores are level. Not long to go.
Pickett goals with 29 min on the clock!
Cmon NB's
3 bounces and a goal to Pickett.
A LONG quarter. 10 goals kicked so far.
Northern Blues back on the winning list with a 5 point victory. The last quarter went forever.
Well done NB's. Great fight after an ordinary performance last week.
Hope this is another time when our seniors follow our 2's
Congratulations to the boys.
Well done NBs!
Grahams a funny one isn't he - so good at that level but just a litttle off AFL level - must be extremely frustrating for him.
So can we expect Jacksh in the seniors next week??
Nice one NB's , thanks Crash for the updates
Just has to run defensively as hard as he does defensively and become as good a kick on his left as his right to be an AFL player. Probably a bit late now. Good to see Jaksch kick 4. Anyone else would be a chance for an AFL game off that but not KJ.
On KJ. Maybe he'll get a run in the last few rounds. H back to the 2's to consolidate his lessons???
Thanks Crash, a good response by the boys after last week.
A couple to Pickett, four to Jaksch and leather poisoning to Graham, that's more like what we should expect from Carlton listed players.
How did Sheehan and Macredie go?
http://northernbluesfc.com.au/?p=5188
Great summary for those interested.
Graham has all the tools to become a very good AFL role player just struggling to execute at the right time.
I would have him on rookie list for two years if we get no draft picks for him
Huge thanks for the commentary, Capt CRASH. Great stuff.
Bravo NBs.
Reckon you're 100% right Capt, what a difference a midfield makes! And without knowing everything thus far it would seem that Graham was the difference, with some lovely cameos from Pickett. Seems there might have been a rocket go through the club this week... hope this is a sign of things to come against the Pussy Cats tonight.
DISPOSALS: Graham 34, Wilson 27, Russell 24, O'Shea 23, Palmer 22.
O'Shea strengthening his case to be rookied.
I think there's little doubt that Graham will be an attractive proposition to some clubs if we don't hang on to him.
Gorringe injured and didn't play after half time so it was a very good win in the finish.
Ruck stocks might be a bit thin next week, it looks like the big Yank will be flying solo.
Missed that, you say something?
Yep, how crap is Geelong?
Port Melbourne would probably take Graham.. ;)