The Northern Blues will make their way down the highway tonight, looking to register their first win of 2016 against Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
Playing under lights for the first time in two years, the Blues have some big names confirmed to be returning from long-term injuries, with Dennis Armfield and Kieran McGuinness named in the squad.
After the disappointment of a 49-point loss in Round 1 against Footscray, tonight’s game offers the next chance for the Blues to register their first win under senior coach Josh Fraser.
It will be a big test for Northern against a side who has had their measure in past outings: the Blues are winless against the Cats in the last four years.
The Cats are yet to play for premiership points in 2016 after having a bye in round one: their five pre-season matches saw them register three wins, with the most recent coming against the AFL Academy last week.
Injury-plagued big man Nathan Vardy has been included in the VFL side, but the Blues will be without Lachie Plowman, after the youngster’s impressive form with Northern saw him selected for Carlton.
The Blues will also be without Liam Sumner through AFL selection while Cameron Wood is out, but gain Michael Jamison and Mark Whiley from last week’s Carlton side.
Jamison and Whiley are part of the 17 Carlton-listed players to be named in Northern’s squad, which will have four players omitted ahead of the first bounce at 7pm.
Hisham Kerbatieh retains his place as 23rd man, while Ben Casley and Tyler Roos could be in line for their Northern debuts after being named on the extended bench.
Tim Totevski may also make his return from a serious knee injury as he features on the bench, as do co-vice captains Glenn Strachan and Zach Ballard.
After being well-beaten in the middle last week, Matthew Korcheck will assume the mantle of number one ruckman, with the likes of David Cuningham and captain Tom Wilson in the clinches.
George Horlin-Smith has been in supreme form for the Cats throughout their pre-season, and proved to be the danger man last season with four goals against the Blues.
Likely types Jed Bews and Jake Kolodjashnij also feature for Geelong down back, with Northern looking to Liam Jones, Daniel Gorringe and Andrew Gallucci to kick a winning score.
MATCH DETAILS
VFL Round 2
Geelong VFL vs. Northern Blues
Simonds Stadium
7pm, Friday April 15
Adults $10, Concession $5, Kids under 15 free
Northern Blues members - half price
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dennis Armfield: The fan favourite will play his first game since breaking his arm last July against Richmond, before a hamstring injury curtailed his pre-season. The veteran will provide some much-needed experience to a youthful Blues line-up, while adding some vital run and carry to an outfit which were soundly beaten in the area by the Dogs last week.
Dillon Viojo-Rainbow: The second-year Blue has been one of Northern’s best performers in the opening month, continuing his positive pre-season form with a solid outing against Footscray. Spending more time in the midfield compared to his debut year, Viojo-Rainbow’s performance (24 disposals, one goal) last week saw him acknowledged by his coaches as one of Northern’s best players, and he’ll be looking to back it up against Geelong tonight.
Liam Jones: Northern’s most consistent player throughout the pre-season, Jones opened his season last week with three goals and was the team’s most dangerous avenue to goal. For the Blues to come away with the win against the Cats, Jones will need to continue his impressive form: he was the Blues’ best player against Geelong last season, polling maximum votes in the best and fairest.
