NORTHERN Blues senior coach Josh Fraser analyses the performances of the Carlton-listed players who featured in the VFL practice match against Richmond. 

Lochie O’Brien

Stats: 16 disposals (nine contested), three inside 50s
From the coach: I liked a lot of what he did. He’s an elite runner, and he used it exceptionally well both by hand and by foot. He’s working really hard on a number of areas of his game and we’ve been impressed by his intent.

Tom De Koning

Stats: 11 disposals, Four marks (three contested), two goals
From the coach: Big ‘King’ started like a house on fire. Some of his contested marking craft inside 50 was fantastic, and he plays with a real energy and presence in the ruck. It was really unfortunate injury that he went down with injury: we’re looking forward to getting him back.

Liam Stocker

Stats: Six disposals, two rebound 50s
From the coach: I thought Liam’s game in the first half showed some growth as a young player off half-back. His positioning was much improved and he certainly attacked the contest well. It was the type of game where he’ll build confidence.

Angus Schumacher

Stats: Nine disposals, four marks
From the coach: He showed some growth in areas as a defender. He wasn’t doing consistently over four quarters, but he’s continue to improve as a defender with his positioning and awareness.

Matthew Lobbe

Stats: Seven disposals, five marks, 26 hitouts
From the coach: Matty had a really good battle in the ruck, and he gave our midfielders some really good opportunities around stoppages. He worked around the ground quite well and he’s having a presence for us.

Patrick Kerr

Stats: 14 disposals, six marks
From the coach: His game was quite solid. He played predominantly as a forward but he also got exposure as a key defender: he’s getting the opportunity to add different skills to his arsenal. Four shots on goal with six marks, he applied some good pressure at ground level — it was a solid outing.

Patrick Kerr enjoyed a solid outing in the VFL. (Photo: Rose Zarucky)

Ben Silvagni

Stats: Six disposals (four contested)
From the coach: Ben played the first half, it was allocated game time for him. He’s continuing to work really hard on his aerial craft as a key defender, and he showed some good moments in traffic with his hands. He’s going to keep building his game, it was another learning experience for him.

Finbar O’Dwyer

Stats: Seven disposals, three marks
From the coach: He continues to do some nice things, Finbar. He’s a kid who hasn’t played a lot of footy in recent times, but keeps getting exposure and he’ll keep getting better. He’s a smart forward and we’re excited by what he can do going forward.

Levi Casboult

Stats: Eight disposals, four marks (two contested)
From the coach: He was mistiming ball early but to his credit, he reset himself and had a presence in the aerial contest. He has brought a lot of leadership to the VFL group and we’re using him in different positions: his mindset has been a team-first approach.

Matthew Owies

Stats: Four disposals
From the coach: It would’ve been his first game for five or six years: he played a half and was lively in our forward line. He has an appetite to work, he had a good summer and the understanding of his role was clear. We’ll get more game time into him and he’s got some attributes of a small forward.

Hugh Goddard

Stats: 14 disposals, four marks
From the coach: It was another solid performance in the back-line from Hugh. He had some good good one-on-ones, and he continues to build consistency: his leadership for our younger defenders has been outstanding.

Hugh Goddard has impressed with his leadership down back. (Photo: Rose Zarucky)