Super Coly dominated the grand final and took out the title. Photo: AFL Riverina.
The Coleambally Blues have claimed back-to-back under-18.5s premierships after producing a composed and disciplined performance in wet and testing conditions at Robertson Oval in Wagga Wagga.
The Blues adapted faster than North Wagga, capitalising early before maintaining control throughout the grand final to run out convincing 54-point winners.
Heavy rain made conditions slippery, but Coleambally handled the ball cleanly from the outset, booting five goals in the opening term to establish a 22-point lead at quarter-time.
Their pressure around the contest and efficiency going forward saw the margin continue to grow, with the Blues taking a 9.3 to 2.5 lead into half-time.
Coleambally then put the contest beyond doubt with the first three goals after the main break, extending the margin to 58 points.
The Blues continued to put their heads over the football, keep the ball in front and tackle strongly as they ran out 17.8 (110) to 8.8 (56) winners.
First-year coach Darcy Mader said the group exceeded expectations with the way it handled the difficult conditions.
“It’s unreal. I’m proud of the boys today,” Mader said.
“Given how wet it was, I didn’t think we’d play that well, but they handled it brilliantly.”
Alex Pound was the standout, earning the Robert Turner Medal after a dominant seven-goal performance.
Alex Pound gave a stirring speech after winning the GF medal. Photo: AFL Riverina.
His clean hands and accuracy in front of goal proved decisive in the slippery conditions.
“His hands were on, and his kicking was sharp,” Mader said.
The Blues entered the decider with added motivation after North Wagga defeated them by a single point in the qualifying final, when Coleambally had just 13 players.
Mader said the group had been eager for another opportunity.
“We were looking forward to getting them again,” he said.
“The boys bounced back well and were confident they could get the job done.”
In only their second season back in the under-18.5s competition, Coleambally has now secured consecutive premierships — a milestone Mader said meant a great deal to the small community.
“It’s so good. Apart from last year, we hadn’t had a team in the grand final for ages,” he said.
“For a small community, it’s just unreal.”
Full-time
Coleambally: 5.0, 9.3, 13.5, 17.8 (110)
North Wagga: 1.2, 2.5, 4.6, 8.8 (56)
Goals — Coleambally
A. Pound 7, A. Gill 2, D. Pound 2, B. Clark 2, F. Steers 1, J. Star 1, J. Wilson 1, J. Longford 1.
Best — Coleambally
A. Pound, D. Hickey, A. Gill, J. Wilson, D. Pound, B. Clark, L. Wells and captain N. Vearing.
The club will hold its presentation evening on Friday 18 September at the Coleambally Community Club, with further details available through the club’s Facebook page.
Original Article published by Carl Chirgwin on Region Riverina.
