Liam Jones has labelled the Northern Blues’ Round 10 win over Box Hill as one of the best he’s played in over his two years at the club.
In what was Northern’s first win over the Hawks in three years, the Blues kicked 11 goals to five after half time to come away with a win of the highest quality.
The victory - which was the Blues’ third straight - saw them draw closer to the ledger with four wins from nine games, and undefeated since enduring two consecutive 100-point losses a month ago.
Jones, who collected 14 disposals and kicked two goals in the upset result, said the win was a memorable one given the calibre of opponent and their previous success.
“It was a great win. The one we had earlier in the year against Geelong as well was up there because it was early, but to be beat Box Hill on their own deck was pretty special,” Jones said.
Liam Jones booted two goals in the win over Box Hill. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
The 25-year-old played in five consecutive games at AFL level, before he made his return to the VFL for Northern’s last two wins.
After a month in the senior side, Jones said his focus was now on individual consistency while continuing with the positive momentum the VFL side has generated.
“I’m looking to build again, we had a bye a fortnight ago and then coming back meant I was getting used to the tempo and playing with the guys again,” Jones said.
Playing in his 51st VFL game, Jones also edged closer to another milestone, sitting just four goals shy of 100 VFL career goals.
Jones said the Blues had the right to feel optimistic about the direction they were heading in, given recent form.
“It’s a great vibe at the minute, really similar to the AFL team where we had those four wins in a row: everyone’s really positive and with three wins on the trot, we should really push forward from here,” Jones said.
“We made the most of our opportunities in the second half and we really worked for each other: it was a really strong team effort, I don’t think you could’ve named a bad player on the day.”
While not having the individual scoreboard impact of Kristian Jaksch and Jack Silvagni, Jones impressed with his ability to provide an outlet and launch his side forward (seven marks, four inside 50s).
The game also meant Northern produced three consecutive triple-digit scores, largely built off the three-pronged attack of Jaksch, Jones and Silvagni who combined for 10 goals.
Senior coach Josh Fraser praised the form of his forwards and their ability to hit the scoreboard late in the game against the Hawks.
“In terms of our offence, we’re getting a better spread forward of centre: we’ve got KJ, Liam Jones and SOS who can all go forward and kick goals, as well as Andrew Phillips,” Fraser said post-match.
“We’ve got some big guys who can clunk the ball in the air and some dangerous smalls - there’s a consistency factor with that and winning the ball through the middle as well.
“It was something we identified: we weren’t kicking big scores and leaking some easy goals - I also thought on the weekend it was our best performance defensively.”
The Northern Blues have a bye this weekend, with their next match to come on Saturday, June 25 against Sandringham at Ikon Park.
