The Northern Blues have responded from their disappointing loss last week, recording a resounding 41-point victory over Collingwood VFL at Visy Park on Friday night.
A 29-possession effort from Carlton veteran Heath Scotland, along with a solid performance by Jaryd Cachia (2 goals, 18 possessions) and a 17-possession first half from Tom Bell, saw the Blues unchallenged from the first bounce until the final siren.
Both Bell and Ed Curnow were given half a game, yet their early dominance in the midfield set the tone for the rest of the match.
Curnow’s 12 touches were paramount in rewarding Rob Warnock’s dominance in the ruck, clearing from the contest and sending the ball inside 50.
Bell was at his aggressive best, amassing a 12-possession second quarter complete with a goal on the stroke of the half time siren.
New recruits Troy Menzel and Tom Temay, introduced in the second half, were lively. Menzel in particular had the opportunity to assert his thumbprint on the game had it not been for three of his shots cannoning into the woodwork.
In a promising outing, Frazer Dale played a shutdown role on Collingwood stalwart, Tyson Goldsack, holding his man to just 11 disposals in a comeback game for the senior Magpie.
Speaking post-match, Dale said it was good to be back in winning form and playing his part on an AFL-experienced player.
“Even though it’s only a practise match, it’s still important to have some winning form heading toward Round 1,” Dale said.
“Webby (Coach Luke Webster) gave me the job on Tyson and for me it was really about making sure I kept my run up and stayed with him.
“It gives me another string to my bow knowing that I’ll be up forward, but can go back and be an asset to the team there.”
The Northern Blues will play one more practise match against Coburg, next Saturday at Preston City Oval. For more details, follow the Northern Blues on Twitter at @NBluesFC or head to northernblues.com.au.
NORTHERN BLUES 4.2 6.6 8.7 12.10 (82)
COLLINGWOOD 0.2 1.3 5.5 6.5 (41)
GOALS: Totevski 2, Cachia 2, Soncin, Bell, Lincoln, Lambert, Visser, Bransgrove, Currie, Posar
BEST: Scotland, Wanock, Cachia, Lambert, Totevski, Bell
