THE Northern Blues produced an emphatic victory over Frankston in their final game at Ikon Park for the season on Saturday.
The Blues flexed their muscle in the second half, running away with a 18.15 (123) to 6.4 (40) victory over the Dolphins.
Ten unanswered goals in the second half was the catalyst for the win, as the Blues withstood Frankston’s fight in the opening half.
Following on from its victory and quick start against Werribee last week, Northern shot to the lead early thanks to a blistering first quarter from in-form forward Jesse Palmer.
Palmer slotted three set shots, helping Northern to a comfortable 27-point lead into the first break.
Northern started the second term sluggishly, conceding back-to-back goals early to slash the margin back to 14 points.
Despite Frankston having the majority of the play, Northern fought back late in the quarter thanks to steadying set-shots from Aaron Mullett and Patrick Kerr.
It was a similar story at the beginning of the third quarter, as Frankston repeated the dose of registering consecutive goals to kick things off. It brought the margin back to just 14 points.
However, Northern’s response to the slow beginning to the second half was resounding.
A second major to Patrick Kerr was the beginning of a goal-fest for Northern.
The Blues were able to blow the margin out to an unassailable 44-point lead heading into the last quarter.
It was similarly one-way traffic in the last, as the Blues restricted Frankston to just one behind while piling on six themselves.
After kicking its highest score of the season last weekend, Northern reached the 100-point barrier for the first time this season.
Northern’s midfield was led all day by Nicholas Graham, Sam Kerridge, Tom Wilson and Sam Fisher.
Graham would ultimately finish with 37 disposals and nine clearances, while the returning Kerridge was next best with 26 disposals.
Kerr finished the day with four goals, while Levi Casboult, Palmer and Jean-Luc Velissaris all registered three each.
Casboult spent his time largely in the forward line with stints in the ruck, as he finished with eight marks (four contested) to go with his three goals.
Pleasingly for Carlton fans, young defender Harrison Macreadie emerged unscathed in his return game. He collected 10 disposals and worked into the game well across the half-back line.
The Blues will look to make it three wins in a row when they head to Casey Fields to take on the Demons in arguably the most difficult game the VFL has to offer. That game takes place next Saturday from 2pm.
NORTHERN BLUES 6.3 8.7 12.11 18.15 (123)
FRANKSTON 2.0 4.3 6.3 6.4 (40)
GOALS
Northern Blues: Kerr 4, Casboult 3, Palmer 3, Velissaris 3, Strachan 2, Blakey, Fisher, Mullett
