The Cootamundra Blues finally found themselves back on the winner’s list this past weekend, delivering a comprehensive performance to defeat the Molonglo Juggernauts in their AFL Canberra Community Men’s Division 1 clash. The final scoreboard read Cootamundra Blues 9.17.71 to Molonglo Juggernauts 3.4.22, a victory that, while significant, left Blues coach Matt Knagge believing his side could have achieved even more.
“We had a few guys back in this week, Brad Slater, Joel Pearson and Shaun Regan, so three pretty big inclusions,” Knagge remarked, highlighting the boost to the team’s lineup. The impact was immediate, as the Blues burst out of the blocks.
“I thought the first five minutes, we were pretty dominant. We looked really good and moved the ball well,” he noted. However, the early momentum wasn’t consistently converted into scoreboard pressure. “Then, I think we just went away from that a bit. We weren’t very accurate in front of the goal and that let us down,” Knagge explained. Despite this, the Blues maintained control of the game.
“I thought we spent a lot of time in our front half and worked hard to keep it there, so that was a positive, but we didn’t finish as well as we would like it to in front of goal.”
Indeed, the coach felt the scoreline didn’t fully reflect Cootamundra’s dominance. “I don’t think the scoreboard reflected the game that well. With all due respect to Molonglo, I thought they were really good, but I think we probably should have won by a little bit more.”
Individual brilliance certainly played a role in the Blues’ success. Joel Pearson was a formidable presence up forward, bagging an impressive five goals for the day.
“Having Joel Pearson back was great. He showed himself going forward and played a really good game at full forward,” Knagge praised. Not to be outdone, Blake Basham delivered a stellar performance in the ruck.
“Blake Basham probably had his best game for the year in the ruck as well. He is continuing his good form.”
Other goal scorers for Cootamundra included Luke Baumhammer, Angus Malmo, Andrew Merritt, and Brad Slater, each adding one to the tally.
The Blues’ best players for the match were identified as Blake Basham, Shaun Regan, Andrew Merritt, Brad Slater, Joel Pearson, and Phillip Bird, showcasing a strong team effort.
For the Molonglo Juggernauts, who battled hard throughout the contest, William Parlett kicked two goals, and Foster Townsend contributed one. Their best players on the day were Marcus Jolly, Chris Bold, Dylan Ashfield, Sean Maloney, William Parlett, and Sam Beverly.
The victory was a much-needed confidence booster for the Cootamundra side. “It was good for the boys’ confidence. We were pretty dominant for the whole day and that is a real positive, but there’s still some improvement there I think,” Knagge stated. “But the boys are pretty keen to improve on that, even though it was a great win and it is good to finally get on the winner’s list after a pretty tough month and a half.”
Looking ahead, Knagge is focused on refining his team’s approach. “This week I want us to focus on sticking to our structures a little bit more. I think we went away from it a bit on the weekend.” He attributed this lapse to the nature of the game itself: “I think because it was that sort of game, that because we were pretty dominant, I think a lot of guys sort of wanted a lick of the ice cream, sort of kick a goal, get their hands on the footy, but I just want to see us sticking to our structures.”
The coach emphasized the importance of disciplined play and execution. “Given the first option, and just continue, I guess, and obviously be a little bit more accurate in front of goal, put some more score-board pressure on, but a little bit more pressure around the ball as well.”
The upcoming challenge against Goulburn will demand a heightened intensity. “I think we won’t have any choice. We’ll have to put more pressure on this week against Goulburn. They’re a pretty good side.”
Knagge also shed light on the broader challenges the team has faced this season. “We’ve had a few structural problems this season which stems from the split training with half the boys training in Canberra and the other half in Coota, and also not getting any continuity on our side. We haven’t put the same side out from week to week at all this year, that hurts, and that’s mainly been through injuries or un-availability.”
Despite these hurdles, the Blues’ recent win provides a solid foundation as they look to build momentum in the remainder of the season.
-Tully Potts
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