Everything the Northern Blues touched turned to gold in a massive 164-point win over Bendigo at Visy Park as Damian Tardio reports.
A full strength Blues side jumped the Gold early with the home-side dominating in the middle of the ground, and eclipsing the visitors in the clearances.
A beneficiary of the midfield dominance, Ed Curnow was on fire gathering 10 disposals in the first term continuing on from his 30-possession game against Werribee last week, whilst Brent Bransgrove and Adam Marcon provided terrific support in the clinches. Battling gallantly for Bendigo, Ricky Thompson, Jackson Bolton and former Blue Dan Toman were beacons of shining light though they were in the minority as their teammates were lost for answers as the Blues ran rampant.
For the Northern Blues, the first term appeared to be merely a warm-up as nine-goals were hammered home in the second term in a commanding display as Bendigo were just no match, managing just one behind for the quarter. Having already kicked one goal in the first, Tyson Thomas added to his ever-growing highlight reel with a further three goals to have four by half time as the Blues headed into the main break with the game well and truly won with an unbelievable lead of 90 points.
In the third term Carlton’s prized recruit in the last draft, Troy Menzel then got in on the act. The highly versatile forward became constant threat inside attacking 50 snaring two quick goals as the margin extended out passed three figures. After a string of 15-unanswered Northern Blues’ goals, Bendigo finally found the goal face at the 22-minute mark of the third term with big-man Dean Putt kicking truly and in doing so enabled the Gold to avoid their lowest-score of all time.
With top spot up for grabs, the Northern Blues refused to end the misery for Bendigo in the final term. Growing with confidence, Luke Mitchell became a focal point in the second half taking countless contested marks, whilst the aforementioned Thomas jumped to second on the league goal kicking ladder with a bag of six goals– to take him to 11 for the season. With a final score of 30.16 (196), the Northern Blues fell 3 points shy of their highest all time score against Bendigo of 30.19 (199), achieved in 2002.
Defender Jeremy Laidler proved a surprise packet in the opening term, with a move to the forward line where he delivered with two goals and three for the game.
Coach Luke Webster said it was an instruction from Carlton to move Laidler forward.
“We spoke to Jeremy on the back of his game last week, and Mick (Malthouse) spoke to him about looking at different positions for him and adding another string to his bow.
“Jeremy grew up as a junior playing forward, so this week we were able to give him the opportunity to play a key position for us and he performed really well there giving us a contest and kicking three goals.”
In contrast to 2012, the Northern Blues have had a functioning forward line in the first two rounds of the season and Webster attributed the improvement to an increase in frontal forward pressure being applied from his players.
“The whole forward line, are putting a heap of pressure on the ball carrier and are keeping the ball in the area which is giving guys like Troy Menzel, Tyson Thomas, Tim Totevski and last week Dylan Buckley the opportunity to be able to score goals and they are all reaping the benefits of that.”
Next Sunday the Northern Blues meet neighbouring rivals Coburg at Mantello Holden Oval in Coburg, whilst an under siege Bendigo will be looking to turn their struggling season around as they host North Ballarat under lights on Friday night at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Last Modified on 15/04/2013 16:40