THE Northern Blues produced their best performance of pre-season with a 34-point win over North Melbourne.
After the Roos rallied in the second term, the Blues blew their opponents away with a dominant second half.
Northern burst out of the blocks with the opening two goals of the game, before the first half became a wrestle. The Blues entered the main change with the narrowest of leads.
From half time, however, it was all Northern, who went onto kick seven goals to two for a comfortable victory.
It was the Blues’ first win of 2019, in their final dress rehearsal before the season proper.
It was a welcome return to action for Matt Kennedy, who was prolific in the middle of the ground.
The midfielder, who returned from a shoulder injury, collected 30 disposals, seven inside 50s and kicked a classy goal in the final term.
He was the beneficiary of some good work from Matthew Lobbe, who battled all day in the ruck and around the ground. The veteran collected 19 disposals and 35 hitouts in an imposing performance.
Sam Fisher (22 disposals, two goals) and Lochie O’Brien (20 disposals) were also impressive in the middle, while Hugh Goddard stood up with a strong marking showing down back.
Jack Silvagni also made a solid return to action with 19 disposals, seven tackles and two goals.
The Northern Blues have a bye next week, with their first home-and-away game to come in Round 2 against Geelong.
NORTHERN BLUES 2.2 3.5 6.8 10.9 (69)
NORTH MELBOURNE 0.1 3.4 4.4 5.5 (35)
GOALS
Northern Blues: Fisher 2, J. Silvagni 2, Kennedy, Keppel, Kerr, Palmer, Wheeler, Wilson
BESTS
Northern Blues: Lobbe, Kennedy, Fisher, Wilson, O’Brien, Goddard, J. Silvagni
