In their second competitive hit out for the year, the Northern Blues ran out convincing 29-point winners against Bendigo Gold, 12.9.81 to 7.10.52 at Visy Park, last Friday.

Following a slow start and giving up two early goals, it was smooth sailing for the Blues’ side that consisted of eleven Carlton-listed players, including first-round draftee Troy Menzel, playing his first competitive match for 2013.

Speedy ball movement was the product of midfield domination, with the big bodies of Tom Bell and Jaryd Cachia stamping their authority and transporting the ball from the stoppages with ease.

Well represented across the board, Luke Mitchell arguably led his team to victory as a central focus up forward, clunking over a dozen marks both up the ground and close to goal, eventually finishing with four quality goals.

It was Mitchell’s first goal on the quarter time siren, that pushed the Blues in front; from there they never looked back, their suffocating pressure as Bendigo attempted to rebound from defensive 50, a real standout.

The big forward wasn’t alone, well supported across half forward by Dylan Buckley, whose three goals all came from booming set shots from on and beyond the 50m arc.

The Blues’ backline, led by Matthew Watson and several Carlton-listed colleagues, stood up well demonstrating composure by foot coming out of defence.

Marcus Davies and Josh Bootsma too had their men well-beaten all day, as well providing critical run and carry, leading to multiple inside 50s and scoring opportunities.

After overcoming a groin issue, Troy Menzel only played one half of the match,. He was used mainly across half-forward and drifting through the midfield, however it was his clean foot skills and pinpoint entries inside 50 that were impressive, in particular his terrific crumbing goal.

Post-match, the 18-year-old said he was just happy to be back playing.

“First ten minutes I pretty much blew up,” Menzel said.

“After that I started to get a bit of ball and from there I didn’t feel as if I’d been out of action for too long, it was coming back to me.

“(I) only played a half so the body pulled up really well. I’m just looking forward to stringing together a big chunk of games.”