Since the Blues joined the Canberra league 10 years ago they haven’t finished minor premiers. 

The blues tasted defeat in round seven at the hands of the Goulburn Swans to the tune of a very hefty 62 points in perfect conditions at Goulburn. 

The two sides meet again at Clarke Oval tomorrow in what has been a much anticipated match-up.

Since their round seven defeat the Blues have gained momentum winning eight matches in a row and in contrast the Swans, the early premiership favourites, have lost plenty of ground suffering two losses and drawing with Molonglo to now sit third on the competition ladder.

With three competition matches left, it is more than likely that the Swans will finish the season in third place regardless of tomorrow’s result but will no doubt be desperate to build for the forthcoming finals series and will surely come to Clarke Oval with all guns blazing.

The Swans have two of the best players in the competition in forward Heath Russell and on baller Dale Cummins to complement a host of class players but seem to have suffered over the second half of the season with a lack of commitment and reported injuries. To add to their woes they have also received two very disruptive forfeits over the past month.

Forward Ramez Dagher sits fourth on the competition goal kicking list with 34 goals and was a headache for the Blues in round seven landing three majors but has not played for the past six weeks and it is not known whether he will line up tomorrow.

The Blues will be keen to go in at full strength with Andrew and Matt Lieschke and Tim Hannon all likely to return to the side for the important clash and with no injury concerns at training this week the selectors may have some tough decisions to make.

The Blues on paper look stronger than the last time the two sides met with the Lieschke’s and Hannon inclusions since then but the inclusion of coach Luke Webb into the side is the real X factor with his ability to turn a match in the Blues favour a great bonus to the side.

The Blues go into the match having faced some very poor opposition over an extended period and may also be a little underdone but are in strong form and look well balanced with strength all over the ground.

The Blues will no doubt look to Luke Webb for leadership but have plenty of others including Steven Chant, Chris Drum, Sandy Maskell Knight, Joel Pearson and Jarryd Cook who have the ability to heavily influence the final result.

The match should be one for the ages and a special for all Blues supporters. The match is set for a 2pm start.

Blues squad for tomorrow’s match: 

In an unchanged lineup from last week, players include L Webb, C Drum, S Chant, J Pearson, M Knagge, T Cronin, S Maskell-Knight, P Bird, J Cook, , J England, L Johnston, J Dallas, D McDermott, L Frilay, , J Baldock, A Edwards, S Eluenstien, L Salter,, R Miller, S Reid, T Hannan, M Lieschke and A Lieschke (Players to be at Clarke Oval by 1pm)