The Northern Blues got their 2017 pre-season off to a promising start with an 11-point win over Sandringham at Seaford’s Linen House Centre.
A purple patch in the second and third quarters sealed the result for the Blues, who came away with a 10. 13. (73) to 8. 14. (62) victory.
It was a slow start for the Blues as the Zebras kicked the first three majors of the game on the back of some efficient play up forward.
To the Blues’ credit, they were able to polish off the rust after quarter-time and eventually found the lead towards the back end of the first half and never looked back.
The middle two quarters where the Blues kicked nine goals to two effectively sealed the game for the away side, which opened up a 26-point lead at the final change.
Well-supported by Kym LeBois (two goals) and Patrick Kerr up forward, Kristian Jaksch was the difference to the Blues with four goals up forward.
Carlton rookie Kym Lebois boots one of his two goals for the Northern Blues. (Photo: Ashley Perez)
The Blues’ defence, led by the superb Kye Declase (30 disposals), stood up tall and came to the fore in the last quarter as Sandringham chased the game to no avail.
Northern stalwart Tom Wilson again showed his class and poise in the midfield with 29 disposals. He was duly accompanied by Dyson Stevens, who accumulated 24 disposal, and recruits Luke Russell and Marcus Stavrou.
Kristian Jaksch celebrates one of his four goals. (Photo: Ashley Perez)
In further positive news for Blues fans, it was a successful return to action for the injury-plagued Ciaran Sheehan.
In his first game back since June last year, Sheehan (19 disposals) was delighted to be back playing and get through a full game.
"It was good to be back out there and be fresh and give it a good crack. It’s a big oval out there with plenty of running to do and it is something I really needed to get through," Sheehan said.
The Irishman also praised his side's attack on the ball but noted there was still improvement to come for the team.
"I think our movement and motion throughout the game was pretty good but there are still a few areas to work on, which we’ll address before Box Hill on Friday.”
Northern will go again on Friday evening at Ikon Park, when they host the Box Hill Hawks from 4pm on April 10.
SANDRINGHAM 4.3 5.6 6.9 8. 14. (62)
NORTHERN BLUES 1.6 5.8 10.11 10. 13. (73)
GOALS
Northern Blues: Jaksch 4, LeBois 2, Barrett, Milham, Thorpe, Wilson
