IT WAS a dominant four-quarter performance from the Northern Blues, recording a resounding 75-point victory against North Melbourne.

It was the result Northern needed to keep its season, with its willingness to take risks and use its pace the catalyst for the win.

It was Northern’s most complete game of the season, prevailing 21.10 (136) to 8.13 (61).

Q1 breakdown

The Blues came out of the gates strongly, with their willingness to break the lines with putting North Melbourne on the back foot. Stationed in the middle, Liam Stocker gave Northern some x-factor around the contest but it was Jesse Palmer who was the story of the first term. The forward took full advantage of his teammates’ work, kicking three goals. Kym Lebois was also lively up forward, relentless with his forward pressure, while it was Sam Fisher and Frank Anderson who got the ball rolling in the middle. The Blues led by four goals at the first change.

Q2 breakdown

The second quarter began in similar fashion for Northern, with its forward pressure around the contest leading to numerous North Melbourne turnovers. Cameron Polson kicked a clever snap to continue Northern’s run, while Glenn Strachan’s work across half-back was a feature. North Melbourne at times threatened to get back into the contest, but Northern’s efficiency around the ground and in front of goal ultimately saw them take charge with a seven-goal quarter. It led to a 48-point advantage at half time.

Q3 breakdown

North Melbourne came out after the half time break wanting to close the gap on Northern, staging a mini comeback with back-to-back goals. However, in a sign of its players’ developing maturity, Northern didn’t lose its cool. Kicking a goal against the tide through Sam Fisher, it was as business as usual from there for the Blues. Jono O’Rourke got amongst the action as Northern dominated in the middle of the ground, with the midfielders’ gut-running a key takeaway. Tom De Koning provided the highlight of the day with his entry for mark of the year, taking a high-flying grab up forward.

Q4 breakdown

The game opened up in the final term, with Fisher and Anderson once again leading the way. Lebois opened proceedings with a deserved first goal, while Matthew Owies finished the game strongly to finish with four majors. It was a final margin of 75 points: Northern’s biggest under senior coach Josh Fraser.

NORTHERN BLUES 6.2 13.4 17.8 21.10 (136)

NORTH MELBOURNE 2.2 5.4 7.8 8.13 (61)

GOALS

Northern Blues: Owies 4, Palmer 4, Fasolo 3, Anderson 2, Polson 2, Fisher, Gartlett, Keppel, Lebois, Lobbe, Stocker

BESTS

Northern Blues: Anderson, Fisher, Cottrell, Strachan, Fasolo, Owies