The Northern Blues have returned to the winners’ list with an 11-point win over suburban rival Coburg at Preston City Oval today.

The Blues led at every change to record a 16. 10. (106) to 14. 11. (95) victory, in what was Brent Bransgrove’s 100th and final VFL game.

It was Northern’s maiden home victory for season 2016, and their first win since a big win over Geelong in Round 2.

Northern started off the game slowly, but long-range goals from Jack Silvagni and Matthew Korcheck saw the Blues take an early lead.

Remarkably, Northern had three less inside-50s than their counterparts in the first term, but their efficiency going forward saw eight scoring shots come from nine forward-50 entries to take a 19-point lead into quarter-time.

The second quarter had the fans up and about as both teams went goal for goal, trading nine goals from end-to-end at Preston City Oval to see the Blues take a 15-point buffer at the main break.

Nick Graham and Jason Tutt wreaked havoc in the heart of midfield, collecting 21 disposals each in the first half and combining for three goals.

Graham and Tutt continued their dominance early on in the second half, as both midfielders notched up their third goals for the game, with Tutt collecting 37 disposals and Graham (32 possessions) not far behind.

Northern extended their half-time lead out to as much as 38 points during the third term, to secure what was ultimately a match-winning lead.

Two final-quarter goals to influential forward Kristian Jaksch all but sealed the game despite the Lions’ late flurry of goals to finish the match.

With Coburg piling on four goals to close the game, there were some nervy moments in the final stages for the home crowd, but Northern ultimately held on for their first win in a month.

Jaksch and Silvagni were the focal points up forward for the Blues, with Jaksch kicking four majors to go with Silvagni’s three. 

The day was somewhat soured as man-of-the-moment Brent Bransgrove was only able to play out the final 5 minutes of the game due to an injury sustained in the pre-match warm-up. 

In his 100th and final game, Bransgrove came onto the ground for the final five minutes, and was chaired off in the middle of a guard of honour to cap off Northern’s first win at Preston in nearly two years.

Speaking post-match, Jaksch – who kicked his first four-goal haul as a Blue – said it was pleasing to get the four points on an emotional day for the club.

“We were going against the wind in the last quarter so we knew Coburg were going to come at us – they’re a proud side and they always have a crack,” Jaksch said.

“At each break we touched on the fact that if ‘Boxxy’ (Bransgrove) could be out there he’d give everything he’s got and the boys really channelled that.”

After a slow start, Jaksch collected 12 disposals and kicked three goals in the second half alone to help steer his side to victory. 

“I tried to work my way into it, it’s always good when the game is on the line to put your hand up and kick a couple,” Jaksch said.

“I’ve got to keep knocking on the door and putting my hand up for selection: I think I’m building towards something and the whole group is.”

The Northern Blues have a state league bye next weekend, with their next match to come in a fortnight against Frankston in their first of six home matches at Ikon Park to close out the season.