The Northern Blues found themselves on the receiving end of a 58-point defeat at the hands of Werribee on Saturday afternoon.
In a game that they will quickly want to rebound from, the Blues were outrun by Werribee over the course of four quarters on the way to a 7.9 (51) to 17.7 (109) defeat.
The Blues got off to a poor start, conceding two quick goals to Werribee due to ill-disciplined actions down back.
Despite a classy snap from Cameron Polson, the Blues trailed by 24 points at quarter time — it was a sign of things to come for the rest of the game.
Northern’s defence found themselves under constant pressure, with relentless forward 50 entries from Werribee a key feature. The visitors recorded 10 first-half goals on the way to 17 goals for the game.
From a Blues perspective, inefficiency going forward plagued them all day, mustering only seven goals from 46 inside 50s.
Liam Stocker collected 17 disposals and five rebound 50s for the Northern Blues. (Photo: Rose Zarucky)
Liam Stocker was one of the rare shining lights for Northern down back, providing run and rebound across half-back and pushing through the midfield to finish the day with 17 disposals.
Matthew Kennedy fought hard, picking up where he left off against Collingwood with another strong performance in the midfield. He went onto collect a team-high of 24 disposals and seven tackles.
Tom Williamson continued to work himself back into match fitness after coming back from injury, providing more run and dash from half back on his way to collecting 14 disposals.
Blues skipper Tom Wilson was his usual self in collecting 18 disposals, while Sam Fisher kicked a clever goal among his 17 disposals.
The Northern Blues will look to re-group and rebound against North Melbourne next week at Ikon Park. The game kicks off at 10:30am next Sunday.
NORTHERN BLUES 1.1 2.4 5.5 7.9. (51)
WERRIBEE 5.1 10.3 13.7 17.7 (109)
GOALS: Palmer 2, Fisher, Fasolo, Kerr, Polson, Wheeler
BESTS: Stocker, Anderson, Wilson, Williamson, Keppel, Macreadie
