David Cuningham and Liam Jones shone for the Northern Blues in yesterday’s 13-point win over Collingwood.

Quelling a final-quarter comeback from the home team at Victoria Park, Northern managed to hold on and once again come away with the four points.

The win marked Northern’s third straight win, and rounded out a perfect weekend of the Blues triumphing over the old enemy.

Two major contributors in the game were Cuningham and Jones, who continued their impressive form at VFL level.


David Cuningham does the grunt work in the Northern Blues' victory over Collingwood. (Photo: AFL Media)

Their performances drew the praise of senior coach Josh Fraser, who was quick to compliment both individuals post-match.

“David Cuningham was impressive around stoppages, using his legs and finishing in front of goal,” Fraser said.

“Liam Jones as well, he continues to impress: he played mainly as a defender but he also had some big moments in the ruck.”

Cuningham collected 24 disposals in an electric performance on-ball, while also amassing six clearances, five inside 50s and kicking the goal of the afternoon. 

Similarly, Jones’ string of solid performances (15 disposals, six marks) continued, slotting in well down back alongside Kristian Jaksch, the returning Harrison Macreadie and Northern’s Cameron O’Shea.

Northern also welcomed back six Carlton-listed players (Daniel Gorringe, Matthew Korcheck, Jed Lamb, Harrison Macreadie, Liam Sumner and Ciaran Sheehan) who contributed in yesterday’s win. 

“They’re all quality players, both at this level and some having had exposure at AFL level. Some are still carving their way,” Fraser said. 

“There’s pressure on performance and everyone who played knows there’s no guarantee that they’ll keep playing VFL seniors. We’ve got to keep performing really well, it’s a good problem to have.” 

Northern returns to its home deck this Sunday, when it hosts the Casey Demons at Preston City Oval on Mother’s Day.

While pleased that the results have come, Fraser said the scope for improvement still in the side was reason for excitement going forward.

“Three in a row does sound pretty good: it was an important day for us, it was a big occasion for Collingwood so there was a bit of a heightened focus on how we approached the game,” Fraser said.

“We want to be really consistent and bring the pressure and effort each week, and until we do that over a period of time we’re still going to be a club which has to prove itself.

“It’s exciting for us, exciting for our players who keep embracing that challenge and we look forward to getting back to Preston next week.”