Carlton Development and Academy Manager Darren Harris said that the Bullants responded to Coach David Teague’s rousing quarter-time address in the best possible way, with seven, eight and eight goals respectively for the next three terms.
“Gold Coast started really well. They looked really clean early, were a point up at quarter time and at quarte time ‘Teaguey’ wasn’t overly happy with some of our efforts,” Harris said.
“The players responded with seven, eight and eight, so it was an outstanding effort.”
The Bullants went into the match with an exceptionally tall outfit, with Lachlan Henderson the obvious standout.
Henderson amassed 30 possessions and booted a lazy eight from centre half-forward to headline a series of superb individual displays, with on-baller Shaun Grigg (in his second game back from injury) accumulating 42 touches, Brock Mclean typically-solid in midfield and Irish rookie Zach Tuohy providing the run and carry off a half-back flank.
Harris said Henderson’s performance was truly complete, and he commended the player for his sheer durability.
“The way Lachie was running late in the game was a credit to him. He had 13 touches in the last quarter,” Harris said. “Obviously he was up against some kids down back, but you’ve still got to get the job done and he did.
“Shaun Grigg’s capacity to get 42 touches was a quality effort, but he also kicked the ball very well and he ran hard, and the way McLean went back and performed was outstanding.”
And so too, Tuohy.
“Zach Tuohy’s game was very good,” Harris said. “He was given a role on Matera who’s been getting a lot of ball, and Matera ended up getting 20 touches, but they were all high, all ineffective, and Zach’s ability to defend the high ball was better.
“He (Tuohy) is coming to grips with the physicality of the game compared to his, and when to use his body.”
With a core of Carlton A-graders set to return from injury - the likes of Dennis Armfield, Paul Bower, Kane Lucas and Chris Yarran - the Bullants stocks are set to be bolstered in the lead-up to Saturday’s ninth round match with the old foe Collingwood at Victoria Park.
Northern Bullants 26.10 (166), defeated Gold Coast 9.7 (61)
Best players: S. Grigg, B. McLean, L. Henderson, Z. Tuohy, J. McCorkell, B. Fisher
Goalkickers: Henderson 8, Kerr 3, Saad 3, Fisher 2, Casboult 2, Woods 2, Tuohy, McLean, Ellard, Grigg, Cachia, McCorkell
