A frustrating week came to a close on Saturday afternoon as the Northern Blues went down to a finals-bound Box Hill Hawks by 57 points.

The appointment of former coach Darren Harris following Robert Hyde’s resignation looked to be the catalyst in turning the Blues' season around, though the luckless ways continued as they were eventually overrun.

With the return of co-captain Andre Gianfagna from his troublesome hamstring injury, the Blues leadership group stepped up from the get-go and led the Blues to a 16-point lead at quarter time. Luke Mitchell and Bret Thornton were dangerous up forward, holding onto every chance that came their way and both converting 2 goals for the term. Tyson Thomas also had a sniff around goals, becoming the third multiple goal-kicker as he kicked back-to-back majors for the term, as the Northern Blues played like a finals contender whilst Box Hill a team looking to cement a spot in the top 8, looked anything but.

The Northern Blues failed to kick a goal in the second term and were out-played by a much more efficient Box Hill outfit. The Hawks hammered home 7 goals in the quarter to create a handy 26-point buffer at the main break.

From half-time onwards, the Blues were unable to reel the Hawks back in and fell further behind as Amos Frank and Bradley Hill were rampant, extending Box Hill's lead to an unassailable 55-point margin. Bret Thornton commenced the term strongly booting the first two Northern Blues' goals. The Hawks were able to stem Thornton's influence, though, and in doing so close the Blues' only dangerous avenue to goal.

Ed Curnow and Kane Lucas were the prolific ball-getters for the Blues and should put pressure on their Carlton teammates for selection in the coming week. Nick Meese, as usual, battled gallantly in the ruck as the Blues convincingly won the clearances and hit outs but could not bring that stat to advantage. It was also a promising display from Luke Mitchell who had after a quiet game against Geelong, really grew in confidence and looks a player for the future. Once again for the Blues, it was their inability to sustain a four-quarter performance that proved costly.

Goal Kickers: B. Thornton 4, L. Mitchell 3, T. Thomas 2, K. Lambert ?

Best Players: E. Curnow, A. Collins, K. Lucas, A. McInnes, K. Lambert, N. Meese