The Coota Blues have finished the home and away season in style.
The Blues produced a dominant second-half performance to defeat the Southern Cats 15.8 (98) to 6.8 (44) at Clarke Oval on Saturday, locking in plenty of confidence heading into finals.
After leading by 18 points at quarter time, the Cats fought back to level the scores by half time. But whatever was said in the sheds at the main break certainly worked, with the Blues responding in emphatic fashion. They piled on 11 goals to just 2 after half time, including a blistering six-goal-to-one third quarter, to run away with an impressive 114-point victory.
Joel Pearson was outstanding in front of goal, booting five majors to finish the regular season with 58 goals from just 12 games, earning a share of the league’s leading goal kicker award.
Ben Rose was a powerful presence at centre half forward, finishing with three goals and creating plenty of opportunities for his teammates with his strong marking and relentless attack on the contest.
Down back, the Blues were once again rock solid. Kai Baumhammer and Flynn Seirant controlled the key defensive posts, while Angus Malmo starred across half back with intercept marks, clean ball use and countless rebounding plays.
In the middle, Luke Baumhammer battled tirelessly in the ruck against bigger opponents, with James Ross, Doug Arthur and Jay Pennay providing plenty of drive and class around the stoppages.
Special mentions also go to Angus Cumming, who produced arguably his best game in Blues colours this season, Tristan Beaumont, who was involved all over the ground, Ethan Birks in defence, and the ever-reliable Shaun Regan, who once again played his role wherever needed.
With the home and away season complete, the Blues now turn their attention to finals. The team will regroup at training this week before next Saturday’s Semi Final, where they are expected to meet the Southern Cats once again.
Let’s get behind the boys as they begin their finals campaign! Coota Blues
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