Blues hold on for first of double
Catani held on in the under 18s to score the first of a premiership double for the Blues.
In a match that had several lead changes, it was the Blues that held on to defeat Neerim-Neerim South by just two points, 3-9 (27) to 3-7 (25).
While it was the Blues that entered slight favorites, having won through from the second semi-final, it was the Cats that took control early.
The Blues talls weren’t having their usual impact in the heavy conditions, as the Cats pushed forward to score first.
The Cats managed a minor score from their first forward 50 entry, and scrapped forward again only to register another minor score.
Corey Peterson marked unchecked to goal and extend the lead for the Cats.
The Blues finished the term with forward 50 entries after warming into the contest, but could only manage minor scores.
The Blues went forward first in the second term, but were denied when Kiam Rose missed a soccer attempt. The Blues won a free kick for high contact, but missed the shot with an inaccurate low kick.
Jackson Caddy ran onto a loose ball and went short to Chris Potrich, who kicked truly to put the Blues in front.
The Cats attacked against the run of play but missed the leading target to see the ball drift out of bounds.
Trent Adams took a strong pack mark to kick the Blues’ second.
Jackson Caddy scored with a soccer on the last line to open up a handy 13-point buffer for the Blues.
The Cats missed an opportunity, registering a minor score, while the Blues also missed an opportunity when a player couldn’t quite hold the mark.
Lachlan Guy snapped truly for the Cats to cut the margin to a goal at half time and re-ignite the contest.
A torrid third term ensued, with each team trading attacks but only able to register minor scores.
Justin Lockett finally broke through from the Cats, scoring a goal to set up a tense finish.
A long shot after the siren went through for a behind, giving the Cats a one-point lead heading into the final term.
Both sides were out on their feet in the final term as the hard slog continued.
A rushed behind to Catani levelled the scores early.
Both defences continued to hold up before the Blues were gifted an opportunity, winning a free kick for holding the ball. The Blues went inboard to Riley McDonald, but his shot missed.
The Blues willed themselves forward again, but Lachlan Seppings’ shot fell off hands and out of bounds.
McDonald was in the action again soon after, the Blues showing great desperation with a premiership on the line. McDonald evaded his opponent, only for his shot to miss.
Not to be outdone NeerimNeerim South went long with two minutes on the clock, only for Caddy to bring the ball to ground and force a ball up and deny the Cats.
The Blues wound down the clock and cleared from defence with a long kick finding the boundary with 50 seconds to go, putting them in safe territory to hold on and win the premiership.
Trent Adams was awarded the medal for best player on the ground, while Lucas Kallady, Caddy, Jason Cox, McDonald and Seppings also stood up for the Blues.
Jake Ward, Matt Kelliher, Isaiah Abrahams, Josh White, Rhys George and Guy helped the Cats push the match into the final minutes.