An inspired Northern Blues surged back from a six-goal deficit to defeat rivals Williamstown by four points at Visy Park on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors led at every change including a 20-point advantage at halftime, as Williamstown kicked away at the start of the third term to lead by as much as 37 points.
Anthony Anastasio (four goals) and Mitch Banner (two) looked set to wreak havoc for the Seagulls up forward.
However the Blues rallied late, scoring six goals to one in a 20-minute patch from the halfway point of the third term, despite workman-like efforts from Williamstown captain Ben Jolley (25 disposals) and former Blue, Adam Marcon (23 disposals).
It was a game highlighted by Northern's ferocity at the contest when both attacking and defending. In possession, Williamstown had no answers to the Blues’ impressive ball movement and spread.
Williamstown's third quarter flurry saw them dominate all parts of the game, before the Northern midfielders in particular flicked the switch (clearances 41-28) and remarkably got the Blues over the line.
Patrick Cripps was arguably best on ground with 34 disposals (17 contested), eight inside 50s, six clearances, five tackles and a goal, that put the Blues nine points in front in the dying stages of the final term.
Cripps’ brilliant showing slightly overshadowed that of Heath Scotland, whose 29 disposals provided both great run and a cool head in midfield and defence, while Nick Graham (24 disposals and a goal) stood tall with Jaryd Cachia in the all-important second half.
Tom Temay (four goals) set the tone for his afternoon early with two first-quarter goals, before later adding two more in the Blues’ whirlwind comeback.
His suffocating forward pressure alongside Tim Totevski (eight tackles) and Dennis Armfield, provided the perfect forward foil for tall targets, Jack Anthony (three goals) and Levi Casboult (one goal).
Casboult’s 12 marks (seven contested) almost proved the difference, being the focal point of attack.
Sam Docherty finished with 21 touches and kicked a classy goal in the first term, in his first competitive hit-out for 2014.
Given the result and way it was achieved, the win will be a major confidence-booster for the Northern Blues, a side many believed to be nowhere near the likes of Williamstown, who now sit 0-2 after losing to Box Hill last weekend in a make-up Round 15 encounter.
Speaking post-match, Cripps described the win as “amazing”, highlighting the team’s cohesiveness.
"It was a great win coming from almost 40 points down,” Cripps said.
“There were about 12 of us making our debut so it was great to get a win with the boys.
"It’s really good to have a mix of youth and experience in there. Having Brock (McLean) and Scotland in there along with Graham, Cachia and myself; it created a good mix.
"It’s really positive for me as just a kid to play and learn alongside those senior players.”
The young Western Australian said the focus now is to back it up next week.
"Hopefully we can follow up today’s performance next week,” he said.
“We’ve set a platform for ourselves here with this win and we need to move forward from it.
“I just need to keep playing my role and things will take care of themselves. It was an enjoyable win today.”
Earlier – on a day of firsts – Carlton International Rookie Ciaran Byrne impressed on-lookers in the AFL Victoria Development League match.
On modified match time and in his first ever match of Australian Rules football, the Irishman turned on the fireworks with a stunning 11-possession, three-goal game to get the Development side over the line by 29 points.
NORTHERN BLUES 4.4 5.9 10.10 15.11. (101)
WILLIAMSTOWN 5.1 9.5 12.10 14.13. (97)
GOALS: Temay 4, Anthony 3, Cripps, Graham, Wood, Casboult, Sheehan, Totevski, Docherty, Scotland
BEST: Cripps, Casboult, Scotland, Graham, Temay, Anthony
