The Northern Blues recorded their fourth win in a row with a dominant victory against the Casey Demons at Preston City Oval today.
The Blues led from start to finish in a brilliant four-quarter display, running away with a 14. 14. (98) to 5. 7. (37) win.
The home team asserted their authority on the contest very early, with a Kristian Jaksch goal in the opening minute setting the tone for what was to come.
The Blues’ forward pressure was a highlight, locking the play exclusively in the forward half for the large majority of the opening term.
Captain Tom Wilson rallied his teammates on the siren with a set shot on the siren to give the Blues a well-deserved 21-point lead into the break.
Casey briefly rallied in the opening stages of the second term, before the Blues — to the delight of senior coach Josh Fraser — were able to wrestle back momentum at a crucial time.
Northern finished the first half with four consecutive goals, including a debut goal for returning Carlton rookie, Kym Lebois.
Leading by 39 points at the main break, the Blues didn’t relent in the third term, once again putting the Demons to the sword to open up a 10-goal buffer.
Ultimately, Northern finished with a 55-point victory, as Casey kicked four of their six goals in the last quarter with the game all but over.
Jaksch was the key contributor on the scoreboard for the Blues with five goals, while he was well-supported by the busy Liam Sumner (14 disposals, three goals).
It was largely a team performance from the Blues, finishing with 88 more disposals and with nine players collecting 20 disposals or more.
Sam Kerridge was again the major ball-winner with 28 disposals and 12 marks, while the Blues’ defensive core once again stood up.
Jarrod Pickett in action for the Northern Blues against Casey. (Photo: Tim Murdoch)
For the second straight week, Northern’s defensive unit conceded just two goals in the opening three quarters of the contest.
It was in stark contrast to the last Mother’s Day contest between the two sides, where the Blues finished with no players on the bench in a 100-point loss.
This occasion continued to mark a changing guard at the Northern Blues, who have now won four straight games for the first time since 2010.
The Blues will be looking to continue their winning ways when they go again at Preston in six days time, hosting Sandringham on Saturday afternoon.
NORTHERN BLUES 3.4 7.9 12.12 14. 14. (98)
CASEY DEMONS 0.1 1.6 2.7 6. 7. (43)
GOALS
Northern Blues: Jaksch 5, Sumner 3, Polson 2, Armfield, Cuningham, Lebois, Wilson
