The Northern Blues registered their sixth win a row with a nine-point victory over a dogged Coburg at Preston City Oval today.

In what was a fiery and even contest for the major part, the Blues were able to hold their nerve to record a 14. 16. (100) to 13. 13. (91) win.

It marked the continuation of a perfect six weeks for Northern, who are unbeaten since Round 1.

The first term of the contest saw Northern’s small forwards hit the scoreboard early, with Coburg’s opening major answered by quick goals from James Corboy and Kym Lebois.

Inaccuracy meant the Blues were not rewarded for their complete domination on the contest in the first quarter, with eight scoring shots to four and 104-55 disposals only resulting in a four-point lead at the first break.

The Blues lost the lead early in the second term after two opportunistic goals to the Lions, but bounced backed strongly in the second half of the quarter.

Strong marks and accurate set shots to tall forwards Harry McKay and Patrick Kerr in the shadows of half-time gave the Blues a deserved 15-point lead.

Northern then took firm control of the contest in the third quarter, with a six-goal term opening up what was ultimately a decisive lead.

The Blues operated with supreme efficiency going forward, registering 12 scoring shots from just 76 disposals.

Northern opened up a 44-point lead in the early stages of the last quarter, which eventually proved crucial as Coburg continued pressing.

The Lions kicked the last five goals of the game, bringing the margin back to just nine points with minutes remaining at Preston.

However, the Blues were able to hang on, winning their sixth in a row and putting the all-time historical record in the Battle of Bell Street on the positive side of the ledger.

The game saw the return of flying Irishman Ciaran Byrne, who got through his allotted game-time on his way to 13 disposals and five marks.





Corboy, McKay and Billie Smedts were the only multiple scorers, with the Blues once again having 11 individual goalkickers.

Nick Graham and Sam Kerridge were two Blues who stood up in the middle, thanks largely to the dominant ruck work of Andrew Phillips (15 disposals, 44 hit-outs).

The Blues return to Ikon Park next Saturday, hosting Werribee in a potential top-four clash. The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7.

NORTHERN BLUES 2.6 7.7 13.13 14. 16. (100)

COBURG LIONS 2.2 5.4 7.6 13. 13. (91)

GOALS

Northern Blues: Corboy 2, McKay 2, Smedts 2, Armfield, Boekhorst, Kerr, Kerridge, Lebois, Phillips, Pickett, Sheehan