Carlton swingman Kristian Jaksch is beginning to build a solid run of form for the Northern Blues after a four-goal performance at the weekend.

Jaksch played a key role up forward for the Blues, as they returned to the winners’ list with an 11-point win over old rival Coburg in their Round 7 VFL match on Sunday. 

In what was also Northern’s first win at Preston in nearly two years, Jaksch kicked his first four-goal haul for the Blues - three of which came in a clutch second-half display. 

Speaking post-match, Jaksch said he was happy to have contributed when the game was up for grabs in what was Northern’s first triumph since Round 2. 

“I had a bit of a quiet first half but I tried making my way into it, taking a few more marks and it’s always good when the game’s on the line to put your hand up and kick a couple,” Jaksch said. 

“I missed a few that I probably should have kicked but there are hopefully a few spots in the senior side up for grabs so I’ve got to keep knocking on the door and put my hand up for selection.”

After two “embarrassing” 100-point losses coming into the game, Northern had to do it tough against a persistent Coburg side, with the Blues battling the majority of the second half with two short on the bench. 

The Blues kicked out to a 39-point lead early in the final term thanks to two consecutive goals from Jaksch, but a late Lions flurry with the wind at their backs made for a nervy finish.

“We were going against the wind in the last quarter so we knew Coburg were always going to come, they’re a pretty proud side,” Jaksch said on the game.

“We touched on at each break that if ‘Boxxy’ [Brent Bransgrove] could be out there he’d give everything he’s got and the boys channelled that.” 

One of the two injuries was to Northern champion Bransgrove, with a pre-game injury seeing him only take to the field five minutes before the final siren in his last game: Carlton’s Blaine Boekhorst also didn’t surface after half-time with a wrist injury. 

Jaksch said it was pleasing for the playing group to once again take away the four points, after a difficult fortnight and against a tricky opposition who the Blues hadn’t beaten since 2013 prior to the weekend.

“I think the whole group is [building towards something]: off the back of a couple of big losses we had a couple of hard, confronting conversations and we did well to address what we spoke about,” Jaksch said. 

“We’ve got to focus on the next few games after the embarrassing losses which we had, it’s always better rolling into a bye off the back of a win - we’ve ticked off one but by no means are we taking it for granted.

“We’re looking forward to getting our season back on track.”  

In the three games which Jaksch has played exclusively up forward, the 21-year-old has kicked 10 goals and has looked a potent threat for a Northern side which has struggled to kick winning scores in the last month. 

Northern Blues senior coach Josh Fraser praised the performance of Jaksch, who has been swung from end-to-end this season for the Blues as a result of in-game injuries in recent weeks. 

Fraser said one of the most positive aspects to take from Jaksch’s game was the fact he was beginning to take on the mantle as a leader for a young Northern outfit in his second year at Ikon Park. 

“I thought he was terrific, he’s been fairly consistent with us but we’re trying to get his game to the next level,” Fraser said on Jaksch. 

“He played a role for us up forward today and went back and supported in defence at times - he keeps growing, he’s started to assume a leadership role with these younger players which is pleasing.”

The Northern Blues have a state league bye this weekend, with their next match to come against Frankston on Sunday, June 5 at Ikon Park - the first of six home matches at the venue to close out the season.