The Development Coburg Lions have suffered consecutive losses for the first time this season, going down to the Northern Blues by 27 points at Ikon Park.
The Development side trailed from siren to siren, chasing a sharper, more switched on Blues all game.
Both Dylan Tarczon and Nathan Thomas (26 disposals) made successful returns, while Brandon Bailey (25 disposals) and Jesse Corigliano (21 disposals) continued an impressive month of football.
The Northern Blues made all the running in the early stages of the game, great pressure on the ball carrier forcing Coburg turnovers.
Despite being rattled early the Lions were able to capitalise on small patches of composure to only trail by 8 points at the first break.
Northern would again come out with greater intent, goaling in the opening minutes of the term to extend their lead to 16 points.
The game became a scrap through the middle part with the Lions just holding on, despite being minus 10 in both clearances and inside fifties.
A late Josh Flower goal a saving grace, with the half time lead at 10 points.
A Jackson Clarke move forward paid off to start the third, sliding out the back after clean bit of Coburg play, to reduce the lead to the closest it had been in two quarters of football.
However, some slow and poor decision making would cost, as the home side easily reopened a 14 point lead.
A Rhys Free set shot after the siren keeping the Development team in with a sniff, 13 points the margin at the last change.
The Blues would make it hard for Coburg to get back into it, kicking consecutive goals in the first five minutes of the last quarter, doubling the visitors own score.
Northern continued their domination, a late Bailey major keeping the final result under 5 goals.
Coburg Lions: 4.6.30 Northern Blues: 7.15.57
Best: J. Corigliano, J. Clarke, A. Valeri, M. Conn, B. Bailey, R. Free
Goals: J. Flower, B. Bailey, J. Clarke, T. McConville
