Blackwood Football Club celebrated its first Senior Colts Grand Final victory since 2017 after defeating minor premier Nairne Bremer by 42 points at Echunga Oval.

Making a fast start the Woods kicked three goals in the first 10 minutes. Silky left footer Nick Evans got the first major on the board for the Woods snapping a low left foot shot from deep in the pocket. Defender turned forward Cody Padroth raised the second major from a 50 metre set shot conversion while Evans converted his second through a set shot from 40 metres.

Sam Matters looks to move the ball forwards

Taking a 20 point lead into the second quarter, the Woods looked to lock the game down with the Rams aided by the breeze. Atheltic defender Nathan Houston and Alex Markham held the defence together intercepting multiple attacking plays of the Rams as the Woods managed to maintain a 17 point lead when the half time siren sounded.

Blackwood pressed hard forward at the start of the premiership quarter recording multiple forward 50 entries and shots on goal. Unable to register a major tension grew around the ground with both supporter groups knowing the game would be decided in this period. Turning ball over a kick out, captain Sam Matters kicked long inside 50 to a pack where Callum Finlayson was able to clunk a contested mark. Going back and kicking straight he got the fourth goal on the board and calmed the nerves of the coaches on the bench.

Nathan Houston advances the ball down the field

The Rams dug deep kicking the next two goals to draw within striking distance. Holding firm the Woods kicked three late goals through Padroth, Markham and Michael Thompson to extend the lead to 33 points at the final break.

Enjoying the last quarter, the Woods kicked one further goal through Thompson to seal a famous victory much to the delight of the large group of Blackwood supporters on the outer wing.

Captain Sam Matters lead the way being named best on ground for his tireless work in the midfield, while Alex Markham, wing Luke Lewis, Michael Thompson and Nathan Houston also featured in the best players in the eyes of the coaching panel.

Speaking post game coach Jacob Broad said the outcome was something which the playing group deserved. “It was a roller-coaster of a year with so many highs and lows.”

“We entered the game today with clear minds, full hearts looking to have fun. We knew if we could do that we could never lose. This is something the playing group deserved after last year.”

“This premiership is a total team effort with every player, coach and volunteer contributing in some way.”