THE Northern Blues returned to the winners list with a 27-point victory over Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday.

The Blues led at every change, kicking out to an early lead and registering a 15. 8. (98) to 9. 17. (71) victory.

While the scoreboard read as a missed opportunity for Werribee, Northern was in control for the majority of the afternoon with strong contributors from siren-to-siren.

An energetic start brought about the opening goal from Darcy Lang, before Kane Keppel and Brendan Myers followed suit for their first goals in VFL football.

Northern kicked the opening four goals of the game unanswered, but what would’ve pleased Josh Fraser most was his side’s ability to respond. 

After Werribee hit the scoreboard, Jesse Palmer produced a brilliant burst to break the game right open for the Blues.

Northern’s leading goalkicker kicked three goals in as many minutes, before Carlton youngster Angus Schumacher followed suit.

The start of the third quarter was very much the same, with Northern arguably producing its most efficient football of the season.

Four of the first five majors in the third quarter led to a game-high 54-point lead, with Werribee kicking six of the final eight goals as consolation.

The Blues were made to do it tough, losing forward Kym Lebois to injury in the opening 10 minutes.

Tom De Koning also stayed out of the action in the final quarter, as he got through his allotted game-time unscathed in his return from injury.

Age was no factor for the Blues, who despite having nine teenagers in the side matched Werribee for physicality around the contest.

Typically, Tom Wilson (35 disposals, 21 contested possessions) led from the front, and he was well-supported by the in-form Sam Fisher (27 disposals, two goals).

Lang also played a critical role, particularly early, as the midfielder finished with 10 tackles - the most of any Blue. 

Forward-of-centre, Jesse Palmer was the difference, finishing with five goals as Werribee couldn’t quell his influence.

Schumacher played his best game in his short career, racking up 23 possessions to go with his second-quarter goal.

He was one of a number of youngsters that stood up for the Blues, with Ethan Penrith and the Northern Knights’ Joel Naylor putting together exciting cameos.

Sam Rowe played a leader’s role in the defensive make-up for the Blues, repelling repeated entries to help the Blues maintain control of the game.

Northern returns to Ikon Park next week when it hosts Frankston on Saturday afternoon.