The Northern Blues were left to rue a second-half lapse for the second week running, going down by 44 points against Richmond at Ikon Park today.
The Blues were outscored nine goals to two in the second half as the Tigers streaked away for their third straight win, triumphing 19. 11. (125) to 13. 3. (81).
In similar circumstances to last week against Werribee, a high-scoring contest was the order of the first term.
Both Northern and Richmond went goal-for-goal as neither team was able to break away from each other for the majority of the first half.
The Blues’ efficiency going forward of centre made up for the Tigers’ ascendancy at the coalface, conceding 20 inside 50s to seven but managing to snare six first-quarter goals to only trail by two points at the first break.
The shootout continued in the second quarter with Andrejs Everitt providing a spark up forward, as the margin only reached double figures once for the entire first half.
Everything the Blues threw at the Tigers was equally answered, largely thanks to the brilliance of former Blue midfield Kane Lambert who kicked three goals from 17 disposals in the opening two quarters.
A late Lambert goal saw the Tigers regain the lead in the shadows of half-time, before the Tigers were able to gain the ascendancy in the second half to kick away to an ultimately comfortable win.
Northern was unable to cope with the Tigers’ midfield pressure throughout various stages of the third term, as Richmond extended its lead to a four-goal buffer at the final change.
The Tigers’ forwards got on top of the Blues late, with Liam McBean (four goals) and Ben Lennon (three goals, 11 marks) proving pivotal as Richmond ran away with the game in the last term.
Mark Whiley, Jason Tutt and Tom Wilson were again resolute as they led the charge through the middle for the Blues from start to finish.
Everitt provided the Blues with a forward outlet, kicking five goals from his 15 disposals and seven marks, while Liam Jones was typically combative in the air (five contested marks).
Carlton-listed speedster Jed Lamb said it was disappointing to miss out on the opportunity to keep their 2016 season alive against the Tigers.
“It was pretty disappointing after last week, we wanted to bounce back - the scoreboard didn’t show it but I thought the effort was there,” Lamb said post-match.
“We were playing pretty good footy but we turned the ball over going forward. We’ll address those areas during the week and give our forwards an opportunity to start getting results on the board.
The Northern Blues have a bye next weekend, with their final home match to come in a fortnight against Williamstown on Saturday, August 20.
NORTHERN BLUES 6.0 10.1 11.1 13. 3. (81)
RICHMOND TIGERS 6.2 10.4 14.7 19. 11. (125)
GOALS
Northern Blues: Everitt 5, Cuningham, Gowers, Jaksch, L. Jones, Kerbatieh, Korcheck, Lamb, Totevski
BEST
Northern Blues: Everitt, L. Jones, Wilson, Whiley, Jaksch, Tutt
