A six-goal haul from Matthew Watson has played a major role in the Northern Blues returning to the winners list, with a gripping four-point victory over Werribee at Ikon Park today.
 
In a nervy final quarter, the Blues claimed their second top-four scalp of the season, withstanding a Tigers final-qaurter charge to emerge 16. 10. (106) to 15. 12. (102) winners.
 
Having endured a barren month and staring down the barrel of a fifth straight loss, the Blues came into the game knowing a win was non-negotiable if they were to hold onto the hope of playing finals football.
 
The win - doubling as a return from injury for Carlton vice-captain Michael Jamison - was a welcome relief for the Blues, who have been on the receiving end of one too many close losses to start the season.
 
After a sluggish start, where only inaccuracy prevented Werribee from kicking out to a much-greater lead at quarter time, the Blues worked their way back into the contest thanks largely to the brilliance of Watson up forward.

Piling on five goals in the second term to draw within eight points at the main break, the Blues would go onto play their most devastating football of the season.
 
Northern piled on 8.4 to 2.2 in the third term, five of those coming in the opening ten minutes. Watson evidently provided the major outlet to effectively kick six goals in a half of footy, while Blaine Johnson and Jayden Foster (both two goals) provided great support.
 
While Watson was getting the job done on the scoreboard, it was the dominance out of midfield which set the tone for the third quarter. The Blues monopolised the ball, having 99-41 disposals for the term and inside 50s 17-7.
 
However, a final quarter opening blitz from the Tigers saw them roar straight back into the contest, kicking four of the first five goals of the term to bring it back to 10 points.
 
It was left to an uncontested mark and snap from Blaine Johnson to effectively seal the game, with a post-siren goal from Majak Daw (three goals) proving to be consolation.
 
First-round draft pick Blaine Boekhorst played arguably his best game for the season, finishing with 26 disposals and a goal. It was a performance typified by his ability to force the ball forward in the last term with the Blues under all sorts of pressure.
 
Only one of Daw’s goals came opposed to the returning Jamison, who emerged unscathed in his return on scheduled game-time.

Mark Whiley also played a leading role in the victory particularly early with the Blues under pressure, accumulating 28 disposals and eight clearances in a polished performance.
 
Speaking post-match, Watson spoke of the jubilation amongst the playing group in emerging with the four points, given the last victory came in Round 4 against Frankston.
 
“It’s great to return to the winners list. We’ve been on the wrong side a bit too often in recent weeks so it’s nice to be on the right side of the ledger this time,” Watson said.
 
“Werribee have shown themselves to be a good side this season, so for the boys to fight it out and get the win was great.”
 
With the Blues firmly under pressure for the majority of the last quarter, Watson praised his teammates for their ability to hold out when their backs were against the wall.
 
“It was pretty tense in that final quarter but when ‘Johnno’ kicked that goal to basically seal the game it was a relief,” Watson said.
 
The Blues will be looking to make it two in a row as they return to Etihad Stadium next Sunday, hosting Frankston in another curtain raiser prior to Carlton’s game against Gold Coast.
 
NORTHERN BLUES                 1.2 6.6 14.10 16.10 (106)  
WERRIBEE TIGERS                3.6 7.8 9.10 15.12 (102)
 
GOALS
NORTHERN: Watson 6, Foster 2, Johnson 2, Jones, Boekhorst, Holman, Jaksch, Russell, Wilson
WERRIBEE: Daw 3, Turner 3, Harper 3, Munro 2, Porter 2, Wood, Robinson
 
BEST
NORTHERN: Watson, Whiley, Ellard, Tutt, Wilson, Boekhorst
WERRIBEE: Wilson, Bolton, Wood, Hanson, Turner, Daw