The Northern Blues have defeated Coburg’s Senior side by 62 points this afternoon on the inaugural Vicki Cleary Tribute Day, finishing 11.13 79 to 21.15 141.
In the 153rd ‘Battle of the Bell’, the Blues proved too strong for the Lions, kicking a six-goal to one final term to cement the win.
The day began with former Coburg VFA player and coach Phil Cleary, brother of Vicki, addressing those at the President’s Luncheon speaking about his late sister and violent men.
“Today, Vicki’s image will dance above the Coburg sky,” Cleary said.
“I played football against tough men. I can pick a hero from a coward, and I know it’s a coward that hits a woman.” he continued.
A minute’s silence was also held before the first bounce to remember Vicki and all other victims of family violence.
Blake Mullane opened the match with a quick goal within the first minute of play, but it didn’t take long for the Blues to add to the scoreboard themselves.
Trailing by just 10 points at ¼ time, Coburg struggled to stop the Northern Blues’ charge, kicking six goals straight to push their lead to 47 points nearing half-time.
A late goal from Nathan Blair, and an after the siren shot from Liam Hunt gave the Lions some momentum going into the second half of play.
In the third quarter, a solid start for the Lions set them up well, kicking three consecutive goals to get the margin back to just 19 points.
But three quick majors to the Blues meant Coburg was going into the final change with a 5-goal deficit.
The Blues continued to kick away, with Mullane the only goal-kicker for the Lions in the last term and finishing the day with four goals and 21 disposals.
Nick Mellington was also impressive, covering all areas of the ground and notching up 33 disposals, while Liam Hunt was consistent kicking two goals and finishing with 25 disposals.
Yet to win a game this year, the Coburg Seniors hope to turn their season around next week when they play Williamstown at Burbank Oval on Sunday.
Hear the Lions Roar!
Coburg: 4.4 6.7 10.11 11.13 (79)
Northern Blues: 6.2 12.6 15.11 21.15 (141)
Goals: Mullane 4, Posar 2, Hunt 2, Blair, Dodge, Holdsworth.
Best: Mullane, Posar, Mellington, Exon, Blair, Hunt.
