The Northern Blues bounced back from last week’s loss with a gutsy 37-point win over North Melbourne on Sunday.
In a fierce but evenly matched contest for the most part, the Blues countered inaccuracy in front of goal to ultimately run the game out strongly, finishing 12.17 (89) to 7.10 (52) winners.
After a slow start by the Blues, going down by two quick goals, Northern showed composure and resilience to work themselves back into the game.
Aside from a second-quarter surge from Northern, both sides struggled to take the ascendancy with the margin staying in single digits.
With North taking the lead at three quarter time, a dominant final term saw the Blues finish the game with six straight goals to come away victors.
In his first game back from suspension, Will Setterfield was able to provide his experience and strength to feed the other midfielders, collecting 22 disposals for the day.
He was joined by Sam Fisher, who put in a solid performance across the ground with a game-high 27 disposals and a crucial goal in the last quarter to cap off his day.
Josh Hill and Hugh Goddard were the generals down back, with Hill controlling the play and showing his class by foot in collecting 17 disposals.
Goddard continued his dominance in defence with arguably a best-afield performance, hauling in 10 marks for the game while using his left foot to provide rebound from defence.
Up forward, it was late inclusion Noah Wheeler who produced an exciting cameo. On the back of his forward pressure, Wheeler finished with three goals including two in the last 15 minutes.
On a sour note, Blues skipper Tom Wilson went down late in the first quarter with a right knee injury. He started the day brightly with seven disposals and a goal.
The Northern Blues have a bye next week, but will look to build on this performance when they host Frankston in Round 7.
NORTHERN BLUES 2.4 5.8 6.12 12.17 (89)
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.3 4.5 7.8 7.10 (52)
GOALS
Northern Blues: Wheeler 3, Kerr 2, Fasolo, Fisher, Keppel, Lang, Lobbe, Palmer, Wilson
BESTS
Northern Blues: Goddard, Kennedy, Setterfield, Anderson, Wheeler, White
