On Saturday, they played their final game of the season and despite going down to Tuggeranong Hawks 3-5-23 to 8-9-57, this year’s first ever crop of Cootamundra Blues women can be proud of how far they have come. 

At the start of the year, some of the players had never pulled on a pair of footy boots before, let alone kicked a goal or taken a mark. 

Captain Michaela Perceval and a dedicated core group who had played football in a different competition in Young last year were starting from scratch, however they were determined to make it work. 

Each week the side has witnessed their losing margins decrease and last weekend broke through for an inaugural win. 

While they could not continue the fairytale this week and took a while to get their heads in the game, Perceval is extremely proud of her troops. 

“By the end of the second quarter they had their rhythm back,” Perceval said. 

At the halftime break, she encouraged her players not to leave anything on the field; with just two quarters of football left for the year she told them to give it their all as a thank you to the Blues supporters and committee members who have been so welcoming of the side this season. 

“I’ve loved every minute of being part of this great club,” Perceval said. 

Partway through the season club stalwart Justin Smith put his hand up to help coach the girls and his guidance has proved invaluable. 

The girls have also been holding regular training sessions with the Blues men learning from the way they do things. 

Despite the men receiving a forfeit this week and not having to take to Clarke Oval themselves, there was still a large contingent on hand to cheer on the girls in their final game of the season. 

The boys will play finals football this year, albeit after another Saturday off next week earned by finishing the regular season as minor premiers. 

As the year has gone on, a number of girls from Cootamundra have put their hand up to wear the navy blue guersey, all doing themselves proud. 

The Ormond girls of Sally, Hayley and Brittany stood up well, while Abbey Watson and Winona Lee have been consistent since starting at the club. 

Alyssa Armstrong has made the switch from a predominately soccer background and in the side's final game Ainslie Fuller decided to have a run and is considering playing next year. 

Perceval said the team is hoping to stick together next year and with the men expected to play in third division, rather than fourth, the two teams should get more rounds in the draw together creating the double-header events which this year has proved draw good crowds.  

As well as Smith and all committee members, Perceval thanked her partner and team manager Caitlin for her assistance this year.