COOTAMUNDRA Blues have advanced to the AFL division three grand final with a hard fought win over Goulburn at Gungahlin on Saturday.
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Their appearance in the decider will be the club’s third grand final in 17 years, previously placing runners-up to Belconnen in 2006 and their last title coming after defeating Marrar in the Farrer League reserve grade final in 1997.
In their toughest match of the season, the Blues were up by one point at the last change and crushed Goulburn in the final quarter to win by 23 pts, 12-12-84 to 9-7-61.
Blues coach Luke Webb was heavily tagged and received a number of knocks, but he stood tall and played a key role in the Blues victory.
Webb became very emotional in the sheds after the match as he thanked the players for their “gutsy” effort.
Despite suffering from the flu during the week, pocket dynamo Dylan McDermott was deemed as the most dominant Blues player on the field as he continually gathered possessions around the ground and drove the Blues on to attack.
Blues captain Stephen Chant, a six-time best and fairest winner with the club, will play his 150th match for the Blues next season.
“Stephen Chant played inspiring football on Saturday, he ran and chased all day, and I know he’d love a premiership medallion on Saturday week,” Webb said.
Chris Drum again revealed impressive marking skills, finishing with five goals; three of them coming in the last quarter when the game was on the line.
Down back Joel Pearson and Jarryd Cook did their job repelling many of Goulburn’s attacking raids.
Webb also commended Phil Bird and league convert Ryan Miller for their work.
“They’ll be crucial in taking what has been an elusive premiership for the Blues,” he said.
Now the score for the Canberra division three semi final has been settled the men from Cootamundra can rest until they play the grand final on September 13.
On Sunday in the elimination semi final, Yass defeated Cooma by 18 pts, 9-18-72 to 8-6-54.
This Saturday Yass play Goulburn in the preliminary final.
Webb says the Goulburn Swans were worthy opponents on Saturday and he’ll be very surprised if they’re not matched up against Goulburn again in the grand final.
Playing grand finals don’t come around very often for the Blues.
Goals: Chris Drum 5 James Dallas 2 Mick Knagge, Dylan McDermott, Ryan Miller, Sandy Maskell Knight and Luke Webb.
Best: Dylan McDermott, Luke Webb, Chris Drum, Stephen Chant, Phil Bird, and Ryan Miller.