The Northern Blues Amateurs re-joined the winners’ list on Saturday by defeating a stubborn Aquinas by 11 points at Aquinas College.
The diminished Blues’ squad were made to earn the four points in the muggy conditions, requiring late goals to stave off a brave Blood’s effort.
The Blues could have been made to rue missed opportunities in the contest, kicking 3.9 in an inaccurate first half that had them trailing by a point at half time.
Speaking post-game, co-captain Todd Beames said the team ran out like a ‘tree full of Galahs’ in the first half.
However, a second half sparked by a determined midfield group saw the Blues enter the forward line more efficiently in the second half to supply their forwards with better opportunities.
The Blues would have been happy to have ruckman Nathan Parkes available to share the ruckload with Paul Sansonetti after missing the start of the season through injury.
Andrew Sepulcri had one his best games for the club to date, holding firm in his defensive post all afternoon.
Northern also received gutsy senior debuts from Jake Thompson, Christian Useinov and Jacob O’Brien in the clash that saw four changes made from last weeks loss to Richmond.
For the home side, Jack Price continued his goal-kicking form with three goals on the back of six majors last week.
Lachlan Barnes and Nicholas Morrison-Strorey were also among the Blood’s best players.
Beames said improving club culture and a willingness to ‘get the job done’ were major factors in the win.
“With our backs against the wall this week we really played with some of that with Preston passion,” Beames said.
“It was an arm wrestle all day, but we managed to lift enough to get over the line.”
“This week we look forward to a few big inclusions and getting back on our home turf. There should be a good 'Phelan' throughout the group.”
The win moves the Blues up to third on the ladder behind only the undefeated Richmond Central and Swinburne University.
The Blues will now face Emmaus St Leos at Ruthven Reserve next Saturday the 10th of May at 2:00pm.
Last Modified on 13/05/2014 00:23