The Cootamundra Blues men's side have continued their impressive start to the season, comfortably defeating the Goulburn Swans in an early season, top of the table clash.
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The Blues were challenged early but maintained their intensity to run out 19.14.128 to 3.2.20 winners.
Dylan McDermott was the star of the show for the victors.
Despite his diminutive size, the talented midfielder racked up touches around the ground at ease and showcased his attacking prowess, finishing with five goals to cap off a remarkable performance.
McDermott's job was made easier thanks to the classy ruck work from Sam Baldock. Baldock has been dominant so far this year in what is shaping as a breakout season.
Luke Webb was also at his dangerous best across the middle of the park, laying plenty of his trademark bone crunching tackles while winning plenty of his own footy.
Up forward, Sandy Maskell-Knight furthered his league leading goal tally, adding another five to make it an impressive 24 from four games.
Despite being hampered by a foot complaint in the second half, Maskell-Knight showed he is un-matched in one on one marking contests, taking contested marks for fun.
He was ably supported by 2014 best and fairest Chris Drum and Blues rookie Nick Holt. Holt, despite his youth, has already showed class and poise beyond his years.
Down back, Blake Basham and Jack Caldwell continued their impressive starts to the season, repelling many of the Swans attacking raids as well as driving the Blues into attack with their rebounding.
While the score line may appear flattering to the Blues, it was hardly a one-sided contest, with the Swans pushing the competition leaders all day.
- Best: Dylan McDermott, Zac Oliver, Sam Baldock, Luke Webb, Sandy Maskell-Knight, Dave Bauer.
- Goals: Maskell-Knight 5, McDermott 5, Holt 3, Drum 2, Baldock and Caldwell 1.
Around the grounds: Belconnen scored their first win of the 2019 season, defeating Yass by 45. While Murrumbateman put in a strong showing, before going down to the Southern Cats by just 13.
Next Saturday, the Blues finally return home to Clarke Oval. The ladies welcome the Eastlake Demons while the men look forward to a salivating clash with their long-time rivals, Yass Roos.