THE Northern Blues suffered a 39-point defeat at the hands of Williamstown in their Round 15 VFL clash at Ikon Park on Sunday.
Returning after a bye, the Blues were left to rue a slow start at Ikon Park, conceding the first five goals of the match on the way to a 9.5 (59) to 14.14 (98) defeat.
As was the case the first time the sides met this year, the Seagulls dictated the opening of the game with a strong breeze. They kicked out to a five-goal lead inside 20 minutes.
Carlton-listed half-back Aaron Mullett rectified the poor start with a well-struck shot on the run, but the Blues trailed by 31 points at the first change.
Kicking with an advantageous breeze in the second term, Northern started the second term brightly.
Small forward Chris McCabe helped his side in a hurry, kicking two important majors in a minute
Despite some positive patches during the quarter for the Blues, they were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard.
Facing a 23-point margin after the main break, the task was made even more difficult.
Williamstown showed its poise and class, firing out to 41-point lead within 10 minutes of the second half commencing.
A 50m penalty to Northern Blues captain Tom Wilson saw him convert the set-shot, giving his side a glimmer of hope.
However, the response from Williamstown was swift as it nailed two goals in a row, leaving Northern with a 45-point deficit to lure back.
To the Blues' credit, they did not give up the fight.
A spirited effort in last term saw them win the quarter, but ultimately it did little to the final result as they settled for a 39-point defeat.
Nick Graham’s return to the VFL was positive, winning plenty of the football while kicking two goals.
Carlton-listed forward Levi Casboult presented all day, amassing six marks on a day which was a difficult one for Northern’s forwards.
Northern will head to Avalon Airport Oval next Sunday against Werribee with the game set for a start at 1pm.
NORTHERN BLUES 1.2 4.3 6.3 9.5 (59)
WILLIAMSTOWN 6.3 7.8 12.12 14.14 (98)
GOALS
Northern Blues: Graham 2, Lebois 2, McCabe 2, Lobbe, Mullett, Wilson
BESTS
Northern Blues: Hill, Lobbe, Graham, Byrne, Palmer, McCabe
