The Northern Blues picked up a convincing win over Coburg at Piranha Park, enjoying their biggest win in two years with a 62 point-victory on Sunday afternoon.

A dominant first half set the platform for the Blues, who went on to run away 21. 15. (141) to 11. 13. (79) winners.

The day had much bigger connotations than just suburban rivalry, kicked off by a minute’s silence in honour of Vicki Cleary and all victims of domestic violence.

With an emotional pre-match, Coburg got off to a good start and led early in the first quarter before two goals to Patrick Kerr would set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

From there, the Blues dominated through the midfield, led by Andrew Phillips who gave first access from the ruck.

Dale Thomas was everywhere in his first game for the Northern Blues, setting up play on the ball and assisting his forward teammates to be awarded best-on-ground honours.

Two late goals from Coburg in the opening term became a worrying trend for the game, where Northern would blow the game wide open before being reeled in late.

The Lions gave the Blues a scare in the third quarter, kicking five consecutive majors either side of half time to get within three goals.

The Blues were caught flat-footed and Coburg scored almost every time they went inside 50.

Goals to Andrew Gallucci and Kristian Jaksch steadied the ship before the teams traded goals to finish the quarter.

The Blues led by 30 at the final change, but a third consecutive goal on the siren to the Lions gave them some momentum.

Thomas’ sixth goal assist for the day set up Gallucci who put the game beyond doubt early in the quarter.

Liam Jones was dominant in the air and popped up with two goals, in a game where he also shouldered the ruck load and spent time down back.

The Blues kicked six last-quarter goals and shared the load up forward with a spread of 13 individual goal-kickers.

Thomas led the way with 30 disposals and a goal and Blaine Boekhorst was influential when the game was up for grabs early, finishing with 27 disposals and a goal.

Back-to-back wins against arch-rivals Williamstown and Coburg sets the Blues up for the trifecta against Collingwood next week.

Post-match, Phil Cleary presented coach Josh Fraser and captain Tom Wilson with a commemorative figurine, with the game to become an annual event in coming year.

COBURG LIONS          4.4       6.7       10.11               11.13 (79)
NORTHERN BLUES     6.2       12.6     15.11              21.15 (141)

GOALS: Gallucci 3, Kerr 3, Armfield 2, Jones 2, Kerridge 2, McKay 2, Buckley, Boekhorst, Cuningham, Jaksch, Phillips, Stavrou, Thomas