IT was another case of ‘what might have been’ for the Northern Blues, going down by 13 points to the Demons at Casey Fields. 

An encouraging first-half performance saw the Blues lead by two goals at the main change, but a collapse in the final two quarters saw the Demons prevail 11.19 (85) to 11.6 (72).

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown

Q1:

It was a fast-paced game from the opening bounce, with both sides going back and forth trying to gain control on the contest. Northern’s defence found themselves under heavy pressure with constant forward 50 entries, but it was Jarrod Gartlett who hit the scoreboard for the second week running with the Blues’ first two goals. Josh Deluca maintained the Blues’ relentless forward pressure which resulted in his first goal for the Club: it saw Northern take a seven-point lead into quarter time.  

Q2: 

In the second term Northern looked more composed, maintaining possession and executing well to threaten breaking away from Casey. Andrew Phillips stood up to be a dominant force in the air, marking strongly and providing first-use for Northern’s midfielders in the ruck. Casey tried assert its presence to get back into the contest, kicking back to back goals to hit the front: however, the moment of the match came from Tom De Koning. A contender for goal of the year, De Koning’s near impossible snap was the catalyst for the Blues’ 13-point lead at the half.

Q3:

Skill errors proved to be really costly, with the Blues not able to make the most of their forward forays as the back-line soon became under siege. Hugh Goddard did everything he could to hold the Blues up, putting his body on the line in frantic moments trying to stop Casey’s forward pressure. However, a dominant performance by Casey in the third quarter saw them ultimately take a narrow lead at the final change – inaccuracy only prevented it from being a greater margin.   

Q4:

Casey came out of the gates in the final quarter, putting its foot down to extend the three-point lead. Late goals to Matthew Lobbe and Jesse Palmer gave the Blues a chance, but it was largely dictated by the Demons who ultimately emerged with a 13-point win.

Moment of the match 

Tom De Koning’s miracle goal on the boundary in the second term was undoubtedly Northern’s best moment. Following on from the ruck contest, De Koning sharked the ball, snapped on his opposite foot from the boundary line and saw the ball sail straight over the umpire. Despite the eventual loss, it was the standout moment from the game – and the look on De Koning’s face showed just how pleased he was with the clubhouse leader for Northern’s goal of the year.  

NORTHERN BLUES         5.1        8.3        9.4         11.6     (72) 
CASEY DEMONS             3.6        5.8      8.13       11.19    (85) 

GOALS
Northern Blues: Fasolo 2, Garlett 2, Phillips 2, De Koning, Deluca, Lobbe, Palmer

BESTS
Northern Blues: Fasolo, Macreadie, Lobbe, Schumacher, Deluca, Phillips