NORTHERN Blues finished off the 2019 season with a 53-point loss to Sandringham at Preston City Oval. 

With Northern’s hopes of playing finals dashed after last week’s loss at the hands of Box Hill, the Blues were looking to finish the season strongly with a win going into the off-season. 

But it was a disappointing afternoon for Northern, with Sandringham proving to be too strong: their run and combativeness were the building blocks that led to the Zebra’s coming away with the victory. 

Q1 breakdown

It was a disappointing opening quarter for Northern, with Sandringham dominating the play from the opening bounce. Utilising the breeze to their full advantage, the Zebras kicked the opening five goals of the game, capitalising on the back of turnovers from the Blues across half back. Sandringham held a 34-point lead at the opening change.

Q2 breakdown

Northern got off to a better start in the second term, winning the clearance to get their first goal of the game: that came through Alex Fasolo, who was playing in his last game after announcing his retirement on Friday. Frank Anderson worked hard through the midfield, breaking the lines going forward, while Tom De Koning did his best to provide a contest around the ground. Despite an improved quarter by Northern (at one stage drawing with 16 points), Sandringham finished the quarter strong to lead by 25 points at the main break. 

Q3 breakdown

The effort was there by Northern in the third quarter, but despite working hard to win the ball, turnovers by foot and Sandringham’s quick ball movement put the hosts on the back foot. Matthew Owies was sharp in pouncing on a snap early in the term, but seven goals to the Zebras saw them build on their lead. Sam Fisher came from the ground assisted by trainers after a heavy collision, as Sandringham took a 58-point lead into the final quarter.

Q4 breakdown

Sandringham came out of the break strongly, controlling possession and asserting themselves to build on their heavy lead. However, it was a promising end to the game for the Blues, kicking the final four of the contest. Hugh Goddard continued to stand tall down back for Northern finishing with 13 marks, while Fasolo finished with four goals in his final game. Playing in the middle, Liam Stocker finished the afternoon with 24 disposals and four tackles. 

NORTHERN BLUES        0.0          4.1           6.1         10.1     (61)
SANDRINGHAM            5.4          7.8       14.11       16.18   (114)

GOALS
Northern Blues: Fasolo 4, Owies 2, Silvagni, Hill, McCabe, Palmer

BESTS
Northern Blues: Goddard, Lobbe, Fasolo, Stocker, Anderson, Quirk