Four goals from Carlton rookie Blaine Johnson led the Northern Blues to a gritty 25-point victory over Footscray at Whitten Oval on Sunday.
Johnson (17 disposals) proved to be the hero for Northern, with his four goals all coming at crucial stages in the context of the game, as the spirited Blues overturned a three-goal deficit in the final term.
The win sees the Blues sit third on the Peter Jackson VFL ladder behind Port Melbourne and Box Hill on percentage.
Having come off two wins by less than a kick in the past fortnight, the Bulldogs presented a different challenge for a Blues team looking to go three from as many starts to open the 2014 season.
The first quarter saw an irresistible Blues outfit, maimed only by inaccuracy, burst out of the blocks to register the first 12 scoring shots of the game. However, the inefficiency in front of goal - 4.8 at quarter time - posed a different problem, encouraging Footscray back into the contest.
The Bulldogs duly accepted the invitation, booting the last two goals of the first term before drawing within five points on two occasions through the second quarter.
Western Bulldogs forward Tory Dickson finished with five majors, while Jason Tutt was a workhorse in a one-on-one midfield battle with Brock McLean (24 disposals, 11 clearances).
Alongside Dickson were the likes of Brent Prismall and Mitch Honeychurch, the latter particularly impressing with 21 disposals and two goals.
The Blues would ultimately head into the main break with a two goal cushion, but bereft of momentum, as Footscray began the third term much the same as the second; this time piling on five straight goals to start the second half to eradicate a Northern lead that blew out to as much as 32 points.
It would seem the Blues’ untarnished start to the season would last for only two weeks as the Dogs lead by 18 points at the halfway point of the third term before the Blues had an Easter Sunday resurrection of their own, piling on nine of the last 11 goals to come out as 25-point victors.
As Footscray tired, the Blues dominated from pillar to post in the final term, highlighted by 11 scoring shots (5.6) to Footscray’s four, as Northern Blues captain Tyson Thomas stepped to fore to boot three second-half goals.
While Nick Graham (25 possessions, two goals) responded to his omission and Matthew Watson’s composure in defence were key figures, coach Luke Webster would’ve been delighted with Northern’s outstanding tackling pressure (69-39 tackles) particularly in the latter stages of the match.
Speaking post-match, Johnson said it was a great team effort to respond to the Footscray charge and get the four points for the third straight week.
“It was a good win, a wonderful effort from the team to come from behind again,” Johnson said.
“We’re undefeated and there’s a wonderful vibe around the club.”
Although it seemed that the game was going to be Footscray’s in the third term, Johnson said his side’s spirit and confidence never waned.
“Never did we think the game was getting out of our hands, and we never gave up hope of getting the four points,” he said.
“This team never gives up hope and we showed that today.”
“Everyone’s main goal is to play seniors but for now my sole intention is to keep playing consistent footy for Northern and keep winning: it’s a special place at the minute.”
Round 4 sees the Blues travel again, when they meet Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday night.
NORTHERN BLUES 4.8 7.10 11.10 16.16. (112)
FOOTSCRAY 2.0 6.4 12.6 13. 9. (87)
GOALS: Johnson 4, Thomas 3, Graham 2, Garlett 2, Armfield 2, Totevski, Wilson, Holman
BEST: Johnson, Graham, Watson, McLean, T. Thomas, Wood
