VFL: Carlton midfielder Matt Kennedy makes strong return from injury in Northern Blues loss to Richmond

MIDFIELDER Matthew Kennedy made an impressive return from an ankle injury to give Carlton fans something to smile about on Sunday.

Carlton’s Matthew Kennedy impressed for Northern Blues on his return Picture: Michael Klein.

MIDFIELDER Matthew Kennedy made an impressive return from an ankle injury to give Carlton fans something to smile about on Sunday.

The ex-Greater Western Sydney on-baller had 10 clearances and 27 disposals for Northern Blues in their 38-point loss to Richmond.

The Blues suffered their eighth loss of the VFL season at Punt Road Oval, falling to 1-8 after a 13.14 (92) to 7.12 (54) defeat.

It was not all doom and gloom for Northern as its skipper Tom Wilson impressed with 25 disposals, 10 tackles and two goals in trying conditions.

Fellow VFL-listed player Sam Fisher was a standout with 28 possessions and eight clearances, while ruckman Andrew Phillips had 34 hit-outs.

Alex Silvangi coming from Punt Rd Oval with what looks like a serious ankle injury. Only playing his first game back since a VFL practice game after a series of setbacks with an Achilles injury. @superfooty

— Toby Prime (@T_Prime2) June 17, 2018

The Tigers booted the opening three goals of the match and were never headed, despite the Blues closing the gap to seven points just before halftime.

Richmond reasserted itself in the third quarter as key forward Callum Moore kicked three of its six goals to stretch the deficit to 47 points.

Moore finished with five majors in the second half, icing a stellar individual performance with his fifth one minute before the final siren.

There was concern for defender Alex Silvagni, who left the ground with a suspected ankle injury during the clash.

The Carlton-listed backman had only just returned from an Achilles injury.

Our first nomination for the #PJVFL Plays of the Week has landed, from @RichmondVFL’s Callum Moore. Have you seen a play this weekend to match his quick thinking?

See the Round 11 #PJVFL results recap: https://t.co/fjBDMaA3FL pic.twitter.com/FkIrOSBlxH

— #PJVFL / #SwisseVFLW (@VFL) June 17, 2018