The Northern Blues have opened their 2017 account with a spirited 21-point win over Williamstown.

The Blues had all the answers for the visitors at Preston City Oval, sealing a 14. 17. (101) to 11. 14. (80) win.

It was Northern’s first win over the Seagulls since Round 1, 2014, and atoned for a disappointing day at North Port Oval in the season opener a fortnight ago.

The Blues kicked with a strong breeze in the first quarter and made the most of it with 16 inside 50s to six.

Harry McKay got involved early in a big way, kicking Northern’s first three goals of the game to convert territorial dominance into scoreboard pressure.

The Blues took a 16-point lead in at quarter-time thanks to a late Nick Graham (31 disposals) goal.

It was Williamstown’s turn with the breeze in the second quarter, but the Blues held strong early, only conceding two goals despite the Seagulls controlling the play.

Two late goals to Kristian Jaksch and David Cuningham against the flow of play gave the Blues a seven-point lead at half-time.

The third quarter was where the game was won and lost, with the home side putting Williamstown to the sword.

Kicking six goals to two for the quarter with the breeze, Northern opened up a decisive 32-point lead at the final change.

While the Seagulls secured some late consolation goals, it made no difference on the result as the Blues ran out 21-point victors.

Liam Jones was crucial for Northern, nullifying the dangerous Nick Meese in the ruck in the absence of Matthew Korcheck and Andrew Phillips.

The home side’s midfielders were able to get on top, led by Graham, Sam Kerridge (31 disposals, one goal) and the impressive Luke Russell.

With his three early goals, McKay was Northern’s chief goalkicker, who shared the load with 11 individual scorers.

The Blues will take on Coburg next Sunday, in a day which will be dedicated to Vicki Cleary and raising awareness against domestic violence. 

NORTHERN BLUES     4.6       6.8       12.13      14. 17. (101)
WILLIAMSTOWN        2.2       5.7       7.11       11. 14. (80)

GOALS
Northern Blues: McKay 3, Jaksch 2, Boekhorst, Cuningham, Graham, Kerridge, Kerr, O'Shea, Russell, Stevens, Strachan

BESTS
Northern Blues: Jones, Silvagni, Kerridge, Cuningham, Graham, L. Russell