VFL: Blues too good for Coburg.

The Northern Blues have proved too much for Coburg in round three of the Peter Jackson VFL at Piranha Park running away in the last quarter to win by 62 points - 21.15.141 to 11.13.79. It was the Vicki Cleary Tribute match, raising awareness in support of violence against women, an issue close to the heart of the Lion's former champion player/coach and VFL legend, Phil Cleary, who tragically lost his sister to domestic violence back in 1987.

An emotional Cleary spoke to the crowd thanking them for their support; he was flanked by 2015 Australian of The Year and prominent campaigner against violence towards women, Rosie Batty. A minute’s silence was then held before the first bounce to remember Vicki and other victims of domestic violence. 

Just ten points separated the sides at quarter-time with ten goals between them as both teams found avenues to goal. Blue's high-flyer Liam Jones booted two second term goals as his side kicked clear of the Lions to lead by 35 points at the main break.

Dumped midfielder, Dale Thomas, was regaining confidence finding plenty of the footy for the Blues in the first half and Dylan Buckley was providing his usual run off half-back. Liam Hunt and Blake Mullane had two first-half goals each for the home side while Nick Mellington worked hard around the ground in an effort to keep them in touch.

Coburg fought hard in the third quarter outscoring the Blues to reduce the margin to 30 points at the final change. However the Blue's responded in the final quarter with six goals to one to run away convincing winners.

Jones was good at either end of the ground for the Blues and he received great support from dashers in Thomas (30 disposals) and Blaine Boekhorst (27)  while Patrick Kerr marked and kicked well finishing with three goals. Coburg's best featured Mullane with 21 disposals and a game-high four goals, Mellington (33 disposals), Hunt (25), Ryan Exon and Nathan Blair who all tried hard.

A good crowd can be expected in round four at Victoria Park where the Blues, who are now in fifth place on the ladder, take on arch rival Collingwood who will be looking to get back on the winners list after dropping their past two matches. Coburg will be away to Williamstown and searching for their first win in season 2017.

For full scoreboard and match details click here