NORTHERN Blues senior coach Josh Fraser runs through the performances of the 11 Carlton-listed players who featured in the practice match win over North Melbourne. 

1. Jack Silvagni

Stats: 19 disposals, seven tackles, two goals
From the coach: Jack split his time between midfield and forward, and it was again a really solid performance around stoppages from him. He applied some terrific pressure inside 50 and also finished with two goals: he had an impact for us..

4. Lochie O’Brien

Stats: 20 disposals, five inside 50s
From the coach: I liked his game. I think his ability to run and carry for us was really important, and we’re seeing real growth in parts of the game he’s been working on. He’s been a consistent performer for us and he’s turning into a really important player.

7. Matthew Kennedy

Stats: 30 disposals, seven inside 50s, five clearances, one goal
From the coach: He was particularly important around stoppages: his craft was as good as I’ve seen from him for a long time. It was not only his ability to win first possession, but also get onto the loose ball: he played to his strengths and he was a key reason in getting the game on our terms.

13. Liam Stocker

Stats: 12 disposals, four marks
From the coach: He continues to impress, ‘Stock’. He has grown a lot already in his role as a half back. His positioning, his aggressive approach to his opponent and then the way he uses the footy — they’re building each game. We gave him the job on Mason Wood and he really stood up: it will give him a lot of confidence.

27. Matthew Lobbe

Stats: 19 disposals, 35 hitouts, seven clearances
From the coach: ’Lobes’ was a key part of our win, he dominated with his ruck work and importantly racked up disposals and marking opportunities around the ground. His leadership was just as important, not only for our young AFL guys but also for our VFL-listed players. He set a great tone.

Matthew Lobbe made a big impression for the Northern Blues. (Photo: Rose Zarucky)

36. Patrick Kerr

Stats: 12 disposals, seven marks, one goals
From the coach: Paddy’s game was good. He finished with seven marks — his ability to lead and present at the kicker is a big asset. He missed some opportunities to apply pressure which he keeps working on. He continues to be a focal point for us, finishing with quite a few shots on goal.

37. Ben Silvagni

Stats: Eight disposals, four marks
From the coach: Benny continues to get exposure at this level of footy and he continues to learn. He played most of the game as a defender but also had hits up forward. We’re getting little signs each week that his understanding of his role is getting better. In traffic, he is showing good awareness and finding a teammate: we keep seeing little wins with him.

38. Finbar O’Dwyer

Stats: 10 disposals, three inside 50s
From the coach: Finbar’s doing some things each week which are exciting. He’s a clever forward, a clever player who finds space well. He hasn’t quite put together a game yet but we don’t think it’s far away: what’s really positive to see is as a young player, he’s got a team-first approach. He’s working to give his teammates space.

41. Levi Casboult

Stats: 12 disposals, four marks, five tackles
From the coach: I couldn’t be more impressed with the way he’s gone about his footy. He played predominantly as a defender while pinch-hitting in the ruck. His approach to the team and doing what’s required has been fantastic. His performances have been impressive: for an experienced player in the VFL, he’s going about it the right way.

Levi Casboult's approach to his football at the Northern Blues drew a lot of praise from Josh Fraser. (Photo: Rose Zarucky)

44. Matthew Owies

Stats: Six disposals
From the coach: Matt set up a couple of important goals for us. He showed a willingness and a skill to get front and square consistently as a small forward. He’s continuing to work on his patterns and anticipation: with his power and size, he’s going to be a damaging player for us.

45. Hugh Goddard

Stats: 10 disposals, six marks (three contested)
From the coach: I thought he was really solid in defence. A lot of his aerial work and timing was as good as we’ve seen, while his ability to communicate with his fellow defenders in setting up was just as important. Like Matthew Lobbe, he’s really embracing that role as a leader.