The Northern Blues shook off a Sandringham second-half fightback to hold on for an 18-point win at Visy Park on Saturday afternoon.
With five Carlton-listed players returning to the side via the AFL and injury, the Blues responded to a fast start from the Zebras as they kicked the first two goals in an arm wrestle of a first quarter.
‘Arm wrestle’ personified the style of the whole adequately, as both sides struggled to find the final option inside 50.
But it was one of the afore-mentioned returning Carlton players that sparked the Blues into life, as Andrew Collins made a significant imprint on the game with a hand in the first two goals.
The first goal, kicked by Collins, came from a terrific inside 50 entry from Levi Casboult, before Collins scooped up a tumbling ball to deliver to an on-the-move Kane Lambert, who finished completed the assist.
It would be the only two goals of the quarter as the Blues evened the scores at quarter time, before jumping out of the blocks as Collins involved himself again, showing great composure to snap a classy goal
The Blues had their second of the quarter not long after through a 60m bomb from Mitch Robinson.
Robinson – alongside Kane Lucas (24 disposals), looking to respond after omission from the Carlton side – was pivotal in the clinches finishing with eight clearances and seven tackles.
The Blues third goal of the second term also came in quick succession with Tom Bell (23 disposals, five tackles) finishing classily from tight on the right boundary.
Classy finishing would prove to be few and far between, as the Blues could only muster 4.7 from 18 inside 50 entries in the second term. Subsequently, Sandringham would push hard late in the second term, as Trent Dennis-Lane (two goals) made the Blues play for some lax defensive transition.
Northern however held a 13-point lead at the main change, before Levi Casboult began to take over the third quarter.
The power forward would kick 2.1 in the third quarter – his only two goals for the game – to compliment 13 marks (7 contested), spending quite a lot of time up the ground as a forward and second ruckman.
The third quarter seemed to the pivotal quarter with the Blues kicking five goals to two, through Luke Mitchell, Kane Lambert and Tom Wilson to open up a handy 25-point lead at three quarter time.
Yet the Zebras weren’t done with, as the likes of Dennis-Lane (three goals) and Sandringham ball-magnet Adam Cockie (32 possessions, two goals) pushed the Blues to within a six-point deficit.
However, Collins’ third goal provided the steadier, as the Blues dominance in contested possession (109-74) and inside 50s (53-36) became just too much for Sandringham to overhaul.
David Ellard was superb in a best-on-ground display, continuing the trend of Carlton-listed players showing no signs of lethargy in their return matches.
He would finish with 29 disposals (12 contested), showing elite poise and skill execution, playing a direct hand in at least five of the Blues 13 goals.
Aaron Joseph and Marcus Davies relished the free reign they were given off half back, Joseph in particular providing superb run from defensive 50.
Speaking to carltonfc.com.au post-match, midfielder Rhys O’Keeffe said his side’s cohesion, in comparison to last week’s loss to Frankston, was a key aspect in the Blues getting over the line.
“It was far from pretty, but you have to win ugly and we got the job done today,” O’Keeffe said.
“Whenever they challenged us today, rather than the boys going into their shells, everyone remained very positive and played solid team footy, which inevitably got us the win.”
O’Keeffe also highlighted the performance of Ellard, saying that the Blues benefited from having depth in their midfield.
“Having those quality players in the midfield definitely helped whenever we needed to get that clearance or kick that goal.
“We got lucky a couple of times where we were challenged, but hung on. We got the bounce of the ball in those times, I guess.
“Every game is now a grand final for us at the moment, coming into finals. We’ve just got to get the chocolates again next week and keeping pushing towards a spot in September.”
Earlier in the day, Thomas Temay played a solid role in the Northern Blues’ Development side registering their fourth win over the trot; an 119-point thumping over a hapless Sandringham side.
The Melbourne Grammar recruit finished with 22 possessions and a goal as a midfielder and resting forward, playing a hand in a number of scoring opportunities.
The Northern Blues will again play host at Visy Park this Saturday afternoon against Werribee from 2pm.
NORTHERN BLUES 2.3 6.10 11.11 13. 16. (94)
SANDRINGHAM 2.3 5.3 7.10 11. 10. (76)
GOALS: Collins 3, Wilson 2, Casboult 2, Lambert 2, Bell 2, Robinson, Mitchell
BEST: Ellard, Casboult, Collins, Lambert, Davies, Joseph
Matthew Lodge covers Northern Blues games for Carltonfc.com.au. You can follow him on Twitter: @MatthewSLodge
Matthew Lodge covers Northern Blues games for Carltonfc.com.au. You can follow him on Twitter:@MatthewSLodge
