The Northern Blues fought out a draw with Collingwood at Olympic Park yesterday.
In its second practice match of 2019, the Blues led for the majority of the contest before scores finished at 7.4 (46) apiece in tricky conditions.
After leading Collingwood by 21 points in the third term, three straight goals saw the hosts in front by a point with minutes remaining.
A left-footed Levi Casboult snap hit the post in the final minute, before the siren sounded to see things end all square.
Casboult was a big factor in the Blues gaining the ascendancy, kicking three goals in the third term alone after spending the first half in defence.
Sam Fisher and Jack Silvagni were the prime movers for the Blues in the middle, driving Northern forward at centre clearances thanks to good work from Matthew Lobbe (36 hitouts).
Fisher led all comers with 29 disposals, while Silvagni — who played exclusively in the middle — recorded 23 disposals, a goal and 16 tackles.
Alex Fasolo also had his first run for 2019 in familiar territory. The forward — who collected 15 disposals — showed his class with his mark and goal in the second term.
The frustration for the Blues will come from the inability to hold on for the win, having dominated large portions of the contest.
Northern has the chance to reset when it takes on Richmond on Thursday 21 March at Punt Road in its next practice game. It will lead into the AFL season opener later that night at the MCG.
Collingwood 2.0 3.0 5.0 7.4 (46)
Northern Blues 2.1 4.2 7.3 7.4 (46)
GOALS
Northern Blues: Casboult 3, Brazier, Fasolo, Silvagni, Williams
BESTS
Northern Blues: Silvagni, Fisher, Casboult, Lobbe, Goddard
