After a tough loss in their final trial game, the Cootamundra Blues will finally kick off their season this Saturday when they face the Googong Hogs at Joe O'Connor Park in Yass, with first bounce scheduled for 2;10pm.
Originally drawn to play Batemans Bay in Canberra, contact restrictions in the A.C.T have forced all games to be relocated to NSW.
With all the uncertainty that has surrounded football season, first time coach Joe Scott will certainly be relieved to finally get his debut campaign underway.
As a result of the Farrer league electing not to play this year, the Blues have been bolstered by some last-minute inclusions to their squad, with Andrew Saddler and Dave Bauer coming across from The Rock to add some experience to the Blues midfield. The Blues will also have another legacy joining them, with Max Tiernan also coming across from East Wagga to play under his brother, Blues assistant coach Jacob.
The Blues will go into the game with an almost full-strength side, with star on-baller Dylan McDermott the only confirmed player unavailable. While McDermott is a big loss, the Blues have plenty of depth to help cover the loss.
Gun ruckman Sam Baldock has overcome a shoulder complaint that kept him out of the Blues final trial and is a certain starter. After a breakout year last season, Baldock will be looking to add even more weapons to his already outstanding arsenal. Joining Sam in returning to the Blues line-up will be star full forward Sandy Maskell-Knight. The Blues big man was on fire in the earlier trial games and will look to carry last year's league leading goal kicking form into this year's campaign.
A win on Saturday would be made even more special for Cootamundra, as it is small forward Sam Larsen's 50th game in navy Blue. With a move to Tasmania on the horizon, the COVID delay to the season start almost ensured the milestone game was not to be.
Larsen is one of the most popular members of the Blues squad in recent memory. The boys will be determined to send him off with a victory under his belt.
