The Northern Blues went down by 15 points in a practice match against Werribee at Arden Street on Sunday morning.

The Blues were in the contest all day but were outmuscled in the last term to go down 13. 9. (87) to 11. 6. (72).

The play early in the first term set the tone for the majority of the match with neither team able to really gain a clear advantage at the coal-face of the contest and on the scoreboard.

Scores were locked at two goals apiece before consecutive goals in quick succession from Werribee’s Fordham and Corbett saw the home side take a 12-point lead in the first break.

The Blues’ tall forwards in Patrick Kerr and Harry McKay were able to spark their forward half with some lively play.

McKay was able to mark and convert a set shot from close range early in the second quarter, while Kerr set up fellow forward Andrew Gallucci to give the Blues a three-point lead.

However, it was the Tigers who were able to wrestle back the lead thanks to another series of late goals to head into the half-time break with a slender three-point advantage.

Two goals to Majak Daw early in the third quarter extended the margin to 10 points.

This time, it was Northern's turn to notch up some red-time goals of their own as some forward pressure from small forward Kym Lebois led to McKay snapping a third, which was then followed up by a Harrison Payne mark and goal.

With the scores tied at 60 apiece heading into the last quarter, the Blues were left to rue a slow beginning to the last quarter, conceding the first four goals in the opening 10 minutes as the margin blew out to 26 points.

To their credit though, the Blues fought hard to try and get themselves back in the contest with goals from Gallucci (his third for the game) and Blaine Boekhorst.

However, it was too little too late for Northern as the home side held on to record a 15-point victory.

Sam Kerridge (35 disposals and two goals) was everywhere for the Blues in midfield, and was well-accompanied by Boekhorst, who amassed 25 disposals of his own.

Werribee Tigers       4.2      7.3     9.6       13. 9. (87)
Northern Blues        2.2     6.6     9.6      11. 6. (72)

GOALS
Northern Blues: Gallucci 3, McKay 3, Kerridge 2, Kerr, Payne