Port Melbourne have returned to the Peter Jackson VFL winners' circle with an impressive 69-point win over the Northern Blues on Saturday. Not only was it a return to form for the Borough but it was also a return to the top of the ladder for the reigning premiers as Damian Tardio reports.
The Northern Blues were dealt a major blow prior to the first bounce as Jarrad Waite did not take his place in the selected side.
Blues' coach Darren Harris said that Waite not playing was more of a precaution than anything else. "We were just making sure with Jarrad that he is 100%, because he's come from a fair way back and we weren't totally happy that he was right to go yet with his training during the week, so he still has a few boxes to tick."
With Levi Casboult also missing from the Northern Blues' line up through Carlton duties, the key forward responsibilities were left to Luke Mitchell. Taking all before him, Mitchell did not shy away from the big test as he started the game in sensational style booting the Blues' first two goals. Adam Marcon was a clear stand out as he amassed 11 disposals and imposed himself on the contest. It was Port Melbourne, aided with a slight breeze who took the lead and were able to grind the Blues down by the first change.
In the second term the Northern Blues were unable to sustain the pressure and intensity that they put on display in the first term, as the Borough took control of the game, slamming home the first seven goals of the term before the Blues could even manage one themselves. With Dean Galea and Adam Bentick dominant for Port melbourne they held a 48-point advantage at the first break.
Not being able to make any real inroads to the half time margin, the Northern Blues remained competitive none the less in the third term and were able to once again lift their pressure and intensity on the Port Melbourne ball carrier, though costly turn overs let the Blues down.
Despite improving the final result from the first encounter against Port Melbourne, Harris was still looking for more from his charges. "We've turned a 126-point loss into a 69-point loss, but having said that we are in the game of trying to win and I was really happy with their effort but we have to be more consistent."
Mitchell finished the game with 4 goals in undoubtedly his best performance of the season and his highest return goal wise for the year. Marcon was best on ground for the Blues and his consistent four quarter effort saw him gather 34 disposals.
Harris was also glowing toward the performance of tagger Kane Lambert who did a sterling job on Liston medallist Shane Valenti. "Kane Lambert was excellent today, keeping Valenti to 14 touches and having 17 himself with Valenti having no impact on the game, just demonstrates the will of Kane and the want to keep getting the job done."
Carlton listed defender Simon White also showed glimpses of return to form and fitness, and also proved that he may be a versatile option at AFL level.
"We played Simon White as a midfielder today just to get his fitness up and get him around the footy with some of those big bodies from Port, because we were undermanned in regards to that."
John Baird was prolific for the Borough with 25 disposals whilst Toby Pinwill was the leading stat getter for the visitors with 28 touches.
The Northern Blues will once again grace the historic Preston City Oval on Sunday against neighbour Coburg Tigers, while Port Melbourne travels to the Burbank Oval where they face Williamstown.
Last Modified on 25/07/2012 07:54