The Northern Blues have continued their brilliant run of form to win their fifth game in a row, defeating the Sandringham Zebras at Preston City Oval this afternoon.

The Blues trailed by as much as 26 points during the first term but finished the game off strongly, kicking six goals in the last quarter to record a 17. 11. (113) to 10. 15. (75) win.

With the aid of a decisive breeze, it was the Zebras who were able to gain the early ascendancy, kicking seven of the first 10 goals to have the Blues facing a deficit in the opening term.

However, a strong mark and goal from ruckman Andrew Phillips right on the quarter-time siren ensured the Blues were kept right in the contest.

The late goal proved to be a catalyst for a second-quarter revival, as a revitalised Northern used the wind to immediately eradicate the early Sandringham lead.

The Blues thrusted forward at every opportunity, amassing more than double the forward 50 entries (16-7) of their opponents and piling on five goals to one to take a three-point lead into the main break.



The third term was crucial in the context of the final result: kicking against the wind, the Blues were resolute, managing to keep Sandringham goalless.

Northern defender Liam Jones continued his sparkling form, thwarting almost every dangerous bit of forward movement by the Zebras.

A brilliant team goal late in the quarter was created by a ferocious attack on the football by Jones, who then set up debutant James Corboy for his second goal of the game.

The Blues did not look back after hitting the front, as they powered away with a six-goal-to-two final term to record an ultimately comfortable 38-point victory.

Northern’s defence, led by Jones, contained the Zebras forward line with diligence all day, keeping dangerous tall forward Josh Bruce to a solitary major.

Rhys Palmer (30 disposals), Luke Russell (26 disposals, one goal) and Cam Polson (24 disposals, one goal) were major ball-winners for the Blues and provided a combination of inside grunt and outside run.

It was the first time Northern has recorded five straight wins since 2009: it will face Coburg on Saturday, June 10 following two consecutive VFL byes.

NORTHERN BLUES 4.1 9.5 11.5 17. 11. (113)

SANDRINGHAM 7.3 8.8 8.14 10. 15. (75)

GOALS

Northern Blues: Armfield 2, Corboy 2, Gallucci 2, Lamb 2, Phillips 2, Gorringe, McKay, Palmer, Polson, Russell, Smedts, Sumner

BESTS

Northern Blues: Jones, Palmer, Russell, O’Shea, Phillips, Smedts