The Northern Blues suffered their third consecutive loss on Saturday falling to the Casey Scorpions by 42 points at Casey Fields.

Despite drawing even in the contested possessions and winning overall disposals for the afternoon, poor efficiency and kicking on goal resulted in the 13.14 (92) to 6. 14. (50) defeat.

Northern controlled the tempo for the first quarter, registering nine shots on goal from 16 inside 50s with Ben Walton playing the focal point up forward kicking two first quarter majors.

However, the Scorpions utilised their early opportunities to take a two point lead into quarter time, then took ascendancy in the second term by kicking six unanswered goals.

Casey forward Jack Fitzpatrick benefited from the improved penetration going forward, accruing three first-half goals in a forward six finding space far too easily.

Northern captain Brent Bransgrove said Casey’s ability to get more ‘bang for their buck’ was a major factor in their victory.

“We had no trouble finding the ball but they were much more effective out of the middle and at the stoppages,” Bransgrove said.

“It was a promising start but it was a pretty disappointing second quarter, I think our attitude and work rate began to break down when they got a run on”.

Northern responded after half-time in the soggy conditions with ferocious attack on the football, however their problems going forward resurfaced as neither team register a goal for over 27 minutes of football.

The Blues managed to battle admirably in the final term, outscoring the Scorpions by four-points as Dennis Armfield (28 disposals) continued to find plenty of the ball between the arcs.

Carlton’s first round draft pick Patrick Cripps continued to impress in the clash, claiming 27 disposals (15 contested) and six tackles in the midfield.

First year player Walton also impressed in his third VFL contest finishing with three of Northern’s six goals for the match.

For Casey, ruckman Max Gawn was prolific in earning best-on-ground honours with great tap-work and three majors when playing deep forward.

Viv Michie was also stellar for the Scorpions who had plenty of good contributors across the park.

The loss sees the Blues stagger to tenth of the VFL ladder following Sandringham’s win over the Richmond Tigers earlier in the afternoon.
Next Sunday Northern will play Williamstown away at Burbank Oval.

Bransgrove said a team performance will be required if the Blues are to repeat their round one victory over the third-placed Seagulls.

“They’re going to be another big challenge but if we can get 23 even contributors we’re every chance of coming away with the win.

“We really needed to win this one so it hurts, we need to lift for the tough run home now”.

The Blues will play top four teams in Williamstown, Port Melbourne and Box Hill in the last three rounds.

CASEY SCORPIONS               4.2       10.4     12.9     13.14   (92)
NORTHERN BLUES                 3.6       3.9       4.11     6.14     (50)

GOALS
CASEY: Best 3, Gawn 3, Fitzpatrick 3, Scott, Page, Salem, M. Jones
NORTHERN: Walton 3, Warnock, Totevski, Bransgrove

BEST
CASEY: Gawn, Michie, Strauss, Barry, Fitzpatrick , M. Jones
NORTHERN: Armfield, Wilson, Wilkinson, Cripps, Sheehan, Warnock