The Coleambally Blues 2026 Farrer League U18.5s premiership.
Coleambally has claimed back‑to‑back under‑18s premierships after producing a composed and disciplined performance in wet and testing conditions at Robertson Oval in Wagga on Saturday.
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The Blues adapted faster than North Wagga, capitalising early and maintaining control throughout the match to run out convincing winners.
Heavy rain made the surface slippery, but Coly handled the ball cleanly from the outset, piling on five goals to open a 22‑point lead at the first break.
Their pressure around the contest and efficiency going forward saw them extend the margin to 9.3 to 2.5 by half‑time.
The Blues then put the contest to bed, kicking the first three goals straight after half-time to push out to a 58 point lead.
All players continued to put their head over the football, keep it in front and tackle their opponents with strength to run out 17.7 (110) to 8.8 (56) winners.
First‑year coach Darcy Mader said the group exceeded expectations with how well they managed the conditions.
“It’s unreal. I’m proud of the boys,” he said.
“Given how wet it was, I didn’t think we’d play that well. But they handled it brilliantly.”
Alex Pound was a standout, earning the Robert Turner Medal after a dominant seven‑goal performance.
His clean hands and accuracy in front of goal proved decisive in the slippery conditions.
Robert Turner medalist for best on ground in the grand final Alex Pound.
The Blues entered the decider with added motivation after losing to North Wagga by a single point in the qualifying final and with only 13 players.
Mader said the group had been eager for another chance.
“We were looking forward to getting them again. The boys bounced back well and were confident they could get the job done.”
In only their second season back in the under-18s competition, Coly has now delivered consecutive premierships - a milestone Mader said means a great deal to the community.
“Apart from last year, we hadn’t had a team in the grand final for ages. For a small community, it’s just unreal.”
Final score: Coleambally 17.8 (110) def North Wagga 8.8 (56).
Goals: Alex Pound 7, Archer Gill 2, Damon Pound 2, Ben Clark 2, Fergus Steers, John Star, Jai Wilson, Jay Longford.
Best: Alex Pound, Dallas Hickey, Archer Gill, Jai Wilson, Damon Pound, Ben Clark, Lachy Wells and Nathan Vearing (captain).
