The Northern Blues have retained their place at the top of the Peter Jackson VFL ladder, holding off a fast-finishing Coburg side to win by 26 points at Mantello Holden Oval on Sunday afternoon.
In just his second game if the season, David Ellard was at his damaging best, amassing 23 touches and four goals as the Blues won their third match from as many starts in 2013.
Coburg had the early running, kicking to the grandstand end favoured by a strong breeze, making only slight use of the advantage to lead by two goals at the first break.
However, the Blues demonstrated how best to make the most of the environment as they piled on a nine-goal second quarter, as Luke Mitchell nailed three second-quarter goals and created two others.
The Blues midfield was dominant from the outset and the defence remained solid, only allowing Coburg six entrances inside their forward 50 and went into the main break 32 points ahead.
Yet despite being the beneficiary of a lopsided clearance count (34-17), the Blues had no answers for Coburg as they piled on a six-goal third quarter, exposing Northern from half back and consistently winning uncontested football.
Coburg entered three quarter time trailing by a single goal, yet the Blues, led by Tom Bell (22 touches and a goal), Jaryd Cachia (23 touches and a goal) and Ellard, stormed home to kick five of the last seven goals to ensure the result.
Levi Casboult looked to have rediscovered some form claiming nine marks, 16 disposals and finishing with three goals as a deep target and second ruckman.
Defenders Matthew Watson and Nick Duigan made cases for recalls after dominant outings on their opposite numbers, consistently winning one-on-one contests and clearing the ball from danger.
Frazer Dale was also serviceable in playing a shutdown role on Aaron Edwards holding the Richmond-listed forward to just two goals, while Jeremy Laidler showed some promising signs as a rejuvenated forward with one goal.
Speaking post-match, Mitchell said it was the ability to execute individual roles at crucial moments that got the Blues over the line.
“It was a game of two halves with the wind the way it was, so it was critical they we clogged them up in the third quarter,” Mitchell said.
“Everyone played a role today. Guys like Davey Ellard and Tommy Bell were really important in getting the ball deep and also hitting the scoreboard.
“The wins are great, but we have to keep turning up with the same attitude we have for the past three weeks. If we do that, we’ll be right more often than not.”
The Northern Blues play host to last year’s grand finalists Port Melbourne next Sunday, in their first game of the year at the spiritual home of Preston City Oval.
NORTHERN BLUES 2.4 11.8 13.11 19.15. (129)
COBURG 4.4 6.6 12.11 15.13. (103)
GOALS: Ellard 4, Mitchell 3, Casboult 3, Lambert 2, Marcon, Cachia, Buckley, Laidler, Visser, Wilson
BEST: Ellard, Cachia, Lambert, Meese, Bell, Casboult, Duigan
Follow @MatthewSLodge on Twitter for Northern Blues game day updates.
