The Coota Blues remain on top of the ladder after a gritty 22-point victory over a determined ANU side in Canberra on Saturday.
Battling wet and slippery conditions, the Blues were made to earn every possession and every score, eventually prevailing 6.10 (46) to 3.6 (24) in a tough, hard-fought contest.
ANU’s disciplined defensive setup made scoring difficult throughout the day, but the Blues controlled possession and inside 50s for much of the match. Holding a narrow lead at every break, the game was still very much in the balance heading into the final quarter.
The Blues’ defence stood tall when it mattered most. Shaun Regan and Doug Arthur were outstanding across half-back, repeatedly intercepting and repelling ANU attacks. Kai Baumhammer, Tom Conway and Ethan Birks were superb in defence, helping restrict the home side to just three goals for the game.
Up forward, Ben Rose was a standout with two brilliant long-range goals from difficult angles, while Jordan McMaster provided plenty of spark. In the midfield, Jacob Tiernan, James Warwick and Jay Pennay worked tirelessly, with Jake Rodwell continuing his strong form in the ruck.
The final term was a genuine arm wrestle before Matt Knagge’s goal midway through the quarter gave the Blues some breathing room. ANU responded quickly, but a second goal to Knagge and a sensational long bomb from Darion O’Toole sealed a well-deserved victory.
Congratulations to Darion O’Toole on his 50th game for the club, marked in style with a goal-of-the-day contender and another strong performance.
Goals:
Ben Rose 2
Matt Knagge 2
Jordan McMaster 1
Darion O’Toole 1
Best Players:
Doug Arthur, Shaun Regan, Ben Rose, Jacob Tiernan, Flynn Sierant, James Warwick and Kai Baumhammer
A tough win on the road and another four points in the bank. Go Blues.
Coota Blues
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