THE Northern Blues have sustained their first loss of the 2018 season, going down by 130 points to Collingwood.

In what was a disappointing day for Northern, the Magpies ran rampant against the Blues at Preston, registering a 31. 15. (201) to 11. 5. (71) win against the home side.

The Blues fielded eight club debutants this afternoon, six of which were playing their first VFL game. This included drafted youngsters Tom De Koning, Lochie O’Brien and Angus Schumacher.

Sam Kerridge amassed a team-high 32 disposals, while Andrew Phillips and Sam Rowe continued their return from lengthy injury layoffs. Phillips finished with nine disposals, 37 hitouts and a goal to his name.

However, the Blues outfit was unable to contain the Magpies side – who led all day – from breaking the game open in the second term..

After a competitive opening with both sides sharing goals to begin proceedings, Northern fell 20 points behind and couldn’t stop the Magpies’ class around the ground.

De Goey was the catalyst for the opening term, having a hand in three goals as the Blues struggled to quell his influence on the game.

An early second quarter goal from small forward Kym Lebois brought the Blues back, but the Pies responded with multiple goals.

Elliott and Gus Borthwick took complete control of the match, on the way to sharing nine goals between them for the game.

Goals to Nick Graham, debutant Jordan Johnston and Andrew Phillips gave the Blues hope, before a big finish to the term from their opponents extended the margin to over 50 points.

The end of the second quarter set the tone for the rest of the game, as Collingwood dictated the contest and took control of the game.

Patrick Kerr kicked three goals in the final term, while young forwards Jordan Johnston and Kym Lebois kicked two apiece.

Northern will look to atone its Round 1 loss when it faces North Melbourne at Avalon Airport Oval next week.