The Coota Blues, who were warm favourites to win their second title in AFL Canberra competition, have been defeated in the grand final.
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The grand final, played last Saturday at Allinsure Park in Queanbeyan, saw Belconnen defeat the Blues by eight points, 6-10-46 to 4-14-38.
The Blues were shattered to go through the season undefeated only to lose the grand final - it is a bitter pill to swallow.
It is even harder as the runners-up, to sit through the post-match presentation and see your opponents presented with the silverware.
At the end of the presentation, as the players walked off the field, the Blues' faithful acknowledged the players' effort with warm applause.
The Blues' footballers have done the club proud in the Blues' 60th anniversary season of AFL football in Cootamundra.
The Blues had a number of chances to win the decider, but they could not convert points into goals.
This is how the match unfolded.
The Blues' inspirational captain Phil Bird booted the first goal of the match in the fourth minute.
Belconnen replied late in the quarter, which saw the Magpies take a one-point lead into quarter-time - 1-4-10 to 1-3-9.
The second quarter saw the Magpies goal in the second minute.
Phil Bird booted his second goal at the eight minute mark.
At the 19th minute, Belconnen booted its third goal and at the long break, the Magpies led by two points, 3-4-22 to the Blues 2-8-20.
The Blues dominated field position in the second quarter, but were wayward in front of goals, booting 1-5.
The third quarter was the Blues' best.
Zac Oliver goaled in the 11th minute and while Belconnen goaled in the 16th minute, the Blues scored a goal on the three quarter time siren via the boot of Sandy Maskell Knight.
At the last change, the Blues seemed to have the momentum, leading by four points.
Belconnen commenced the fourth quarter well, booting two quick goals in the third and sixth minute.
As kicking goals were like gold, these two majors were the final goals of the grand final.
The Blues had chances in the final minutes of the match but it was not to be.
Despite losing, the Blues had a number of fine contributors. Joel Pearson worked hard from fullback and his long raking kicks drove the Blues back into attack.
Phil Bird again led by example, the skipper never stopped trying and his two goals and playing a part in a third, kept the Blues in the match.
Luke Webb was the best player on the ground in the first two quarters. Down back, Will Ormond was relentless on his attack to the ball.
Best: Joel Pearson, Phil Bird, Luke Webb, Chris Drum, Sam Baldock, Will Ormond, and Dylan McDermott.
Goals: Phil Bird 2, Zac Oliver and Sandy Maskell Knight.
The modern era of playing in AFL Canberra has not been kind for the Blues. After winning the break through flag in 2014, they now have lost successive grand finals in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
The Blues now turn their attention to the presentation night, which will be held on Saturday night at the Ex-Services Club.
