THE Northern Blues are back on the winners list, following a 56-point win over the Frankston Dolphins at Preston City Oval on Saturday afternoon as Justin Cooper reports.
While the Blues’ line-up featured several Carlton listed players, including Chris Yarran and Robbie Warnock, it was the VFL debut of former Gippsland Power on-baller Nick Graham who impressed.
The 2012 TAC Cup Morrish Medallist gathered 23 disposals coming off a knee injury to assist co-captain Kane Lambert (29 disposals, 2 goals) in the midfield as the Blues dominated the opening term to lead by 28 points at quarter time.
Four goals from New Zealander Khan Haretuku early in the second term got the visitors within 10 points, but it didn’t take long before the Blues upped the ante with a six goal quarter to take a 36-point half time lead.
A four goal to two third term had Northern in control by three quarter time, as the home side held a comfortable 46-point buffer at the last change.
The Dolphins appeared to run out of puff in the last term, as the Blues kicked another four to run out impressive 56-point victors.
Key forward Luke Mitchell kicked four goals for the Blues, as Shaun Hampson, Tom Wilson, Kane Lambert and Nick Graham all hit the scoreboard twice as the other multiple goal kickers.
Carlton listed pair Dylan Buckley (21 disposals) and Nick Duigan were among the best for the Blues, joining Lambert and first gamer Graham.
For the Dolphins, Khan Haretuku finished with a career-best six goals as David Gallagher (18 disposals) and Russell Gabriel (19 disposals, 25 hit outs) were the other notable players to stand out on what proved to be a disappointing loss for the visitors.
In Round 11 of the VFL the Northern Blues will host Williamstown at Visy Park on Saturday, while the Dolphins will seek to outgun the visiting Sandringham at Frankston Oval on Sunday.
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 18/06/2013 17:17