Blues make early statement with round one win

United got off to a flyer at Picola Recreation Reserve, kicking four in the opening term to open up a quick double-digit lead.

A slower second period saw both sides struggle to find the uprights, but the Blues held on to a 5.7 (37) to 2.2 (14) advantage at the main break.

The shooting boots returned in the second half and Picola added three majors in the third and another three in the fourth to solidify its advantage and hold off the Swans, who also found their scoring form in the latter stages.

There was a pair of runaway leaders in front of goal, with Picola’s Cody Haub and Katunga’s Darcy Laffy kicking five majors each to head up their respective sides.

Matthew Jorgensen, Jarrod Byrne (2), Tanner Smith and Blake Azzopardi also got their names on the scoresheet for Picola.

Haub headed up the best players list with Jorgensen, Zac Cockayne, Jared Laffy, Tom Daniel and Benjamin Turpin also featuring.

Picola United was a fringe finals side in 2024, finishing seventh with a 9-6-1 record and being eliminated in the first round of the post-season.

After keeping the squad together and making useful additions, coach Rhys Woodland said during the week he was hopeful of winning a finals game this season and his side’s round one performance indicates that goal could be a realistic one.

Picola will visit Rennie this Saturday.

PDNL

United’s A-grade netballers couldn’t replicate the success of their senior football clubmates.

Facing off with top four side from last season Katunga, the Blues weren’t able to keep pace, dropping behind by double digits midway through the second period.

The Swans didn’t let up in the second half, running away 49-15 winners.