The Northern Blues are inside the VFL top eight after defeating Collingwood by 18 points in a fiery battle at Preston City Oval this afternoon.
The Magpies looked to be in control of the contest after seizing a 19-point half time lead, however the Blues kicked 10 goals to four in a resilient second half display that saw them win 16. 9. (105) to 12. 15. (87).
In a stunning last quarter, an undermanned Magpies kicked one point ahead through a Caolan Mooney major with less than ten minutes remaining in the match.
But the Blues had all the answers from that point forward after Jarrad Waite capped off three quick Blues’ goals with the sealer 28 minutes into the last.
A major factor in Northern’s turnaround was their ability to take control at the stoppages, outpointing their opponents 29-19 in clearances after half time.
Cameron Wood was influential in that midfield duel, notching up 67-hitouts, 18 disposals and seven inside 50’s to find himself among his sides best players.
An unlikely forward duo in Jeff Garlett and Matthew Watson also instigated the Blues comeback, with Garlett accruing 14 disposals in an inspirational final quarter effort.
Watson was instrumental at full-forward, kicking three goals and one behind to compliment his eight marks (four contested), three inside 50’s and 10 second half disposals.
Speaking to the media post-game, Coach Luke Webster applauded the effort of Watson saying his effort was a great result for the Blues.
“He played a really good role for us,” said Webster. “We thought we’d throw a challenge out to him to see something a little bit different from him.”
“When he started to come up with the footy and provide us with a really good contest down the line, he found himself in the right position to also hit the scoreboard for us.”
Jarrad Waite (21 disposals, 8 marks) was stellar across all four quarters in a head-to-head battle with Collingwood’s Jesse White.
In-form midfielder Nick Graham registered 22 possessions and six clearances despite being on the end of a tight Ryan Pendlebury tag.
For the visitors, Patrick Karneszis and Caolan Mooney caused headaches for the Blues defence, combining for seven goals.
The forwards found themselves on the end of smooth transition football from the Magpies on numerous occasions.
VFL first-gamers Mitch Gleeson and Ben Walton both kicked goals on debut in the clash for Northern.
The result extends the Blues remarkable statistic for Northern, with six of their seven victories this season coming by under three goals.
Webster said his sides’ ability to show spirit and ‘stick to the plan’ in the tight contests this season gave them a sense of pride.
“It’s great to see our guys continue to fight through the challenges that are thrown at them week in week out and put themselves in position to be able to win games of footy.”
The Blues next opponent is the 10th placed North Ballarat away at Eureka Stadium next Saturday at 2pm.
NORTHERN BLUES 3.2 6.4 10.9 16. 9. (105)
COLLINGWOOD 2.7 8.11 9.12 12. 15. (87)
GOALS
NORTHERN: Waite 3, Watson 3, Garlett 2, M. Gleeson, Ellard, Wood, Cachia, Reynolds, Cripps, Wilson, Walton
COLLINGWOOD: Karnezis 4, Mooney 3, J. Williams, Howe, Gault, Broomhead, Suckling
BEST
NORTHERN: Wood, Anthony, Waite, Wilson, Armfield, Graham
COLLINGWOOD: Moloney, Broomhead, Williams, Maxwell, Gault, White
