The Northern Blues took home the inaugural Chairman’s Cup after prevailing 14. 15. (99) to 14. 6. (90) over the NAB AFL Academy side at the MCG on Saturday.
Four goals from MCC President’s Medal recipient Dennis Armfield and a return to football for Andrew Walker were major factors in the Blues getting the narrow victory over a spirited Academy outfit.
With the margin never exceeding 17 points, the under-18s side were hugely competitive against their more seasoned opponents.
Sam Weideman loomed as the danger man early on, with his side’s opening two goals for the game both coming from strong contested marks inside 50.
The Blues wrestled control in the second term, with a 60-metre bomb from Dylan Buckley for his second goal a highlight.
Inaccuracy in front of goal for the Blues and efficiency at the other end from the Academy saw the young guns close the margin back to just five points at half-time.
With the Blues’ superiority in the contest not reflected on the scoreboard and an inability to reap full rewards when going forward, the match saw the lead change six times in the final term.
Mark Whiley impressed for the second consecutive week, while the willingness of Buckley and Nick Graham was on display for all four quarters.
The Academy’s Callum Ah Chee was just about everywhere in the last term for the Academy, with his efforts - highlighted by incredible mark in the goal square - nearly seeing his side get the victory.
It was left to late goals from Armfield and 2014 Academy captain Brad Walsh to seal the nine-point victory for the Blues.
Armfield post-match paid credit to the Academy side and said the Blues were made to work for the win from the opening bounce.
VIDEO: Watch Armfield's bag of four
“They were a great side and they’re the top kids of our nation. We knew we weren’t going to be able to take them lightly,” Armfield said.
“We knew that if we gave them a sniff all day, they would be there at the end that’s exactly what happened.
“Even being a practice match, we were disappointed with last week so to come away with a win today is important for confidence.
“There’s still a number of things we need to work on, but that’s the thing about playing practice matches, we’ve now got a week to improve upon that before Round 1.”
With a full week between now and their opener withWilliamstown at Ikon Park next Saturday, Armfield said the Blues were ready to compete for premiership points.
“I think everyone here is ready to start playing for points, it’s been a long pre-season, especially watching the Carlton boys be right into it for the last two weeks.
“It’s going to be a great hitout against Williamstown. We know they’re a great side and that there’s a strong rivalry between the two clubs, so it’s something we’re looking forward to.”
The Blues’ VFL match commences at 2.15pm next Saturday.
NORTHERN BLUES 3.2 7.8 9.11 14. 15. (99)
NAB AFL ACADEMY 3.2 7.3 9.5 14. 6. (90)
GOALS
NORTHERN: Armfield 4, Buckley 2, Johnson 2, Viojo-Rainbow, Foster, Totevski, Walsh, Whiley, Fields.
ACADEMY: Schache 3, Weideman 2, Hipwood 2, Ah Chee 2, Keays, Cole, Curnow, Snadden, Tucker.
LEADING DISPOSALS
NORTHERN: Walker (29), Graham (28), Whiley (20), Boekhorst (18), Wilson (18), Buckley (15)
CARLTON PLAYERS' STATS
Andrew Walker
29 disposals (11 contested), four marks, six inside-50s.
Nick Graham
28 disposals (12 contested), six marks, seven inside-50s.
Mark Whiley
20 disposals (10 contested), four marks, one goal.
Blaine Boekhorst
18 disposals, four marks.
Dylan Buckley
15 disposals, four inside-50s, two goals.
Ciaran Byrne
15 disposals, six marks (three contested), four rebound-50s.
Dennis Armfield
14 disposals, four marks, five inside-50s, four goals.
Billy Gowers
14 disposals, six marks.
Nick Holman
14 disposals, four marks.
Tom Fields
12 possessions, five marks, one goal.
Dillon Viojo-Rainbow
12 disposals, six marks, four inside-50s, one goal.
Brad Walsh
12 disposals (seven contested), one goal.
Blaine Johnson
Nine disposals, five marks, two goals.
Matthew Dick
Eight possessions, three rebound-50s.
Jayden Foster
Seven disposals, two marks, one goal.
Fraser Russell
Seven disposals, two marks.
Matthew Watson
Five disposals, four marks, three inside-50s.
