The Blues have lost their past two matches with their batsmen copping the brunt of the criticism.

"Batting has been an issue all season," Blues coach Nigel Freebairn said.

"It has been left to too few and we need to start to share the load.

"We've identified the areas we need to improve and we've got three games to correct it."

The Blues would have fancied their chances of chasing down the target of 222 set by Tullamarine at Keilor Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

But after resuming on 0-11, the home side got off to the worst possible start with opener Shaun Guerra being run out for seven.

"It was a bit of a lazy run," Freebairn said. "He didn't get out of second gear."

The Blues got back on track with Liam Ryan (23) and Danny Law (27) looking in ominous form.

Then the tea break came and the game changed complexion.

The Blues lost 6-27 in quick time and it sapped all of their momentum as they perished for 98.

The Blues were sent back in and comfortably avoided any threat of an innings loss.

They did suffer a major setback late in the day with Ryan hobbing off retired hurt with a knee strain.

Ryan is in doubt for this round's grudge match with Old Essendon Grammarians at the Keilor Recreation Reserve over the next two Saturdays.