By Pat Kerin
The Coota Blues enter Saturday’s AFL Canberra Regional grade grand final as warm favourites to defeat Belconnen at Queanbeyan.
The Blues have gone through the home and away season undefeated [15 matches] and two weeks ago, they easily accounted for the second placed the side Southern Cats in the major semi-final by 53 pts.
Belconnen finished third on the ladder and defeated Goulburn in the elimination semi-final by 106 pts, while last Saturday they accounted for Southern Cats in the preliminary final by 14 pts.
The Blues and the Magpies have met twice this season. In the opening round, the Blues belted the Magpies by 109 pts. In the only, other match played in Canberra on June 1, the home side tested the Blues with the visitors winning by just 9 pts. The Magpies forfeited their third encounter scheduled at Clarke Oval July 13.
Ln Saturday’s grand will be the Blues fourth in the past six seasons. They defeated Yass in the 2014 grand final. The following season Goulburn thrashed the Blues in the grand final by 75 pts. In 2017, the Blues were beaten in the decider by seven pts by Yass.
The Blues have a good mixture of youth and experience. It is incredible to think that the Blues will have three league best and fairest winners playing in this grand final. Dylan McDermott [2013], Luke Webb [2014] and this season’s winner Phil Bird.
The minor premiers also will field their youngest in grand final in years with seven of their side under 21 years, Sam Baldock, Jack Caldwell, Will Ormond, Blake and Aaron Basham, Brandon Sanderson and James Collingridge.While Sam Larsen turned 22 last week.
The Blues will get plenty of drive down back especially with the inform full back Joel Pearson. The experienced backman, who is lining up for his 166th match for the Blues, has had a stellar season and will control the back line.
Blake Basham has been revelation down back with his excellent timing to mark the ball. Will Ormond has grown in stature with his fine running game is set to continue.
Sam Baldock is the best ruckman in the competition and he is set to dominate the ruck duels.
Up forward, Sandy Maskell Knight will command his authority with strong marking. Luke Webb is very experienced campaigner and his goal kicking prowess is sure to impact on the scoreboard.
It will be interesting to see what Belconnen bring to Saturday’s grand final.. We do know one thing; they will be fielding teams in firsts and seconds in preliminary finals at Manuka Oval, and regional grade side at Queanbeyan.
Venue: Allinsure Park Queanbeyan – [The enclosed name of the venue on maps is Margaret Donoghoe Park]
First, bounce 2.30pm.
The year that was.
AFL Canberra Regional Grade
2019
Round 1-Cootamundra 18-15 123-defeated Belconnen 2-2-14
Round 2-Cootamundra 13-10-88 defeated Murrumbateman 2-4-16
Round 3-Cootamundra 11-21- 87 defeated Southern Cats 5-5-35
Round 4-Cootamundra 19-14-128 defeated Goulburn 3-2-20
Round 5-Cootamundra 10-18-78 defeated Yass 4-9-33
Round 6- Cootamundra 9-10-64 defeated Belconnen 8-5-53
Round 7-Cootamundra 16-19-115 defeated Murrumbateman 5-3-33
Round 8-Cootamundra 13-17-85 defeated Southern Cats 4-2-26
Round 9-Cootamundra 17-16-118 defeated Goulburn 3-6-24
Round 10- Cootamundra 14-14-98 defeated Yass 7-2-44
Round 11-Cootamundra defeated Belconnen on a forfeit
Round 12- Cootamundra 16-12-108 defeated Murrumbateman 9-2-56
Round 13-Cootamundra 13-12-90 defeated Southern Cats 6-6-42
Round 14-Cootamundra 16-12-108 defeated Goulburn 7-5-47
Round 15-Cootamundra 7-9-51 defeated Yass 6-10-46
Major semi –final: Cootamundra 12-9-81 defeated Southern Cats 4-4-28
Jeremy Lott, Zac Oliver, Aaron Basham, Phil Bird [Capt], Luke Webb [Coach], Sam Baldock, Blake Basham Joel Pearson, Brandon Sanderson, Sandy Maskell Knight, Tim Hahn, Chris Drum, Tom Anthony, Scott Mazzocchir and Garry McDermott [water carrier]
Dylan McDermott, Mick Knagge, Jack Caldwell, Will Ormond, Nick Holt, Tom Brody, Ethan Silk, James Collingridge, Shannon Brennan, Sam Larsen and Liam Frilay. Photo courtesy of Lee Loiterton
