In an entertaining contest the Northern Blues took the challenge right up to the VFL's fifth-placed side. However, a slow start once again haunted the Blues as they conceded the first 2 goals of the game. A long range effort from Kane Lucas finally kickstarted the Blues, followed by a clever piece of play from Brent Bransgrove which allowed Tim Totevski to swoop on the loose ball, and then a solo effort from Tyson Thomas on the run kept the Blues in touch at the first change.
Despite trailing by 4 points, the Northern Blues had almost double the amount of inside 50s and handsomely dominated the middle of the ground thanks to Nick Meese and his midfield as they led the way with centre clearances 6 to 1 for the quarter.
In the second term it was all the Tigers as the home side dominated the quarter and attacked in explosive waves with the Blues having no answers for the Tigers big men. Hansen and Tarrant proved a dangerous forward combination as the Tigers kicked 6 goals to the Northern Blues 2 in a nearly match-winning quarter of football. For the Northern Blues, Dylan Buckley slotted home a classy goal and Josh Burgess marked and then sent home his first VFL career goal.
Trailing by 5 goals at the major break, the Blues, led by youngster Dylan Buckley, slammed home 5 goals in a sensational third term comeback. The Carlton father-son draftee owned the quarter kicking 3 goals and single-handedly helping the Blues claw their way back into the match. An injury to Tim Totevski marred an otherwise electric quarter of football for the Blues, when he was the recipient of a solid Lachie Hansen head-high bump.
Despite hitting the lead for the first time in the match midway through the final term, the Blues' spirited fightback was not enough to claim victory as Werribee withstood the charge to secure their fifth win of the season. In doing so, they stay in touch with the top 4, leaving the Blues to lament what could have been.
Goal Kickers: D. Buckley 4, T. Thomas 2, T. Totevski 2, M. Dorman, K. Lucas, J. Burgess, B. McLean
Best Players: A. Marcon, B. Bransgrove, J. Bootsma, M. Carter, D. Buckley, K. Lambert
