The Northern Blues returned to the winners list at Visy Park on Saturday afternoon, running out 44-point winners over the North Ballarat Roosters.
In what could only be described as an arm wrestle of a game, it took a seven-goal-to-one second quarter for the Blues to assert control on the match and carry the advantage through to the final siren.
The first quarter delivered just two goals between the two sides as Shaun Hampson affirmed complete dominance in the ruck with 22 hitouts in the opening term.
He would go on to finish with 68 hitouts for the match in a highly contested and stoppage-oriented style of game.
The Roosters did all the early attacking with 21 first-quarter inside 50s, yet the resilience of defenders Nick Duigan and Matthew Watson defined the Blues steely resolve, allowing just three scoring shots.
Andrew Collins was again prolific off half-back, collecting 27 high-quality disposals and was used as a constant constructor of the Blues’ forward forays. He was well supported in the back half by Frazer Dale who finished with 23 touches.
Jeremy Laidler was a focal point for the Blues in the front half finishing with two classy set shot goals and five inside 50 tackles.
Levi Casboult also continued some good form as a forward-cum-ruckman taking clean contested grabs in testing conditions around the ground, while Sam Rowe – in a new position down at full back – was solid in keeping the Roosters’ leading goal kicker Luke Delaney to just the one major.
In a positive on the injury front, Tom Temay returned to football after nearly a month's injury lay off and played near-on a full game without complaint.
The win improves the Blues’ record to 4-2 with another bye scheduled for the coming weekend.
Speaking post-match to carltonfc.com.au, Northern Coach Luke Webster praised his side’s defensive game and evenness of individual performances as key catalysts in the victory.
“We’ve been in plenty of situations where we’ve kicked winning scores, but not been able to defend our own goals,” Webster said.
“We’re really pleased with the way we defended the ball and put pressure on the opposition.
“We only kicked a half decent score today, but to hold North Ballarat to just five goals really highlighted the players' intensity in contested situations.”
Webster admitted there was an emphasis on getting the win pre-game to stabilise his side’s season.
“We threw a challenge to the boys to bounce back after two losses in a row, particularly after games where we were in front before falling over," Webster said.
“To fight back and get on the winners list is a credit to this group and the direction we’re going as a group.”
The Northern Blues will return after a week off for their Round 8 clash against Collingwood at Preston City Oval on Saturday, June 1.
NORTHERN BLUES 1.1 8.4 10.8 12.11. (83)
NORTH BALLARAT 1.2 2.5 4.8 5.9. (39)
GOALS: Lambert 3, Laidler 2, Dorman 2, Dale, Hampson, Totevski, Wilson, Lincoln
BEST: Lambert, Giafagna, Casboult, Collins, Totevski, Laidler, Hampson
Matthew Lodge covers Northern Blues games for Carltonfc.com.au. You can follow him on Twitter: @MatthewSLodge
