Peter Jackson VFL – Round 11
Bendigo Gold vs Northern Blues
Sunday June 22nd, 1:30pm
Queens Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo
Last Time They Met
R2, 2013: Northern Blues 30. 16. (196) defeated Bendigo Gold 4. 8. (32) at Visy Park
The Northern Blues will look to extend their winning streak to three this weekend when they face the competitions perennial underdog Bendigo Gold at Queen Elizabeth Oval on Sunday.
The Blues have the edge over Bendigo throughout the last two years, winning by triple digits in the last two meetings between the sides.
In their most recent match-up – a 164-point Blues’ victory – Tyson Thomas was able to kick six majors while captain Brent Bransgrove was named best afield with 31 disposals.
Despite being unable to register a win yet this year the Gold have been competitive a number of times, including a gallant effort in a 36-point defeat to Frankston last weekend.
The Gold were made to rue missed opportunities in that loss, kicking an inaccurate two goals seven in a wasteful third quarter to finish with 6.16 at Frankston Oval.
In contrast Northern have stood tall in the game defining moments this year, attaining four of their five wins by under three goals.
Bendigo’s forwards will need to make better use of their chances in front of goal this weekend with an in-form Northern midfield sure to diminish their forward 50 entries.
Forward Tyrone Downie will be the most capable of capitalising on those opportunities, kicking a major in all but one of their games so far this year (14 goals total).
First year forward Blaine Johnson has been the Blues most prominent goal-kicker across the season with 11 goals through nine games and a four-goal haul against Footscray in round three.
Jaryd Cachia, who is averaging over 30 disposals and nine tackles in his last three contests, will head the Northern midfield alongside Nick Graham who was omitted after being used as the sub for Carlton last weekend.
Former Blue Daniel Toman will square off against his old on-ball teammates for the first time in the clash after making the move to Bendigo in the off-season.
Toman has been one of a handful of consistent performers for the Gold so far this year.
2013 VFL coaches award recipient Alik Magin will also be used on-ball for the Gold and is averaging over 18 disposals and just under a goal throughout his nine contests this season.
Bendigo’s current losing streak stretches back 27 games to their win in round 22, 2012 against the Box Hill Hawks.
Northern are currently sitting 10th on the ladder with 5 wins and four losses while Bendigo are in 16th place with no wins from their nine games.
Northern Blues Player Watch
33. Tyson Thomas: The medium forward has been able to hit the scoreboard in the last few weeks, kicking a combined five goals in the contests against Sandringham and Richmond. The Blues will be reliant on his constant scoring contribution throughout the remainder of 2014 to make a push towards September.
38. Jeff Garlett: Dropped for the Richmond game, Garlett will be looking to impact more consistently against Bendigo. Showed flashes of brilliance last week, but will want to up his tackling numbers. Webster has given him license to run through the midfielder with an injection of pace.
32. Nick Graham: Graham has enjoyed a stellar first-half of the year with Northern. Will be itching to continue that form and put his hand up for senior selection yet again.
