The Bushpigs held the Blues scoreless for the first quarter and were dominant again in the third, piling on seven goals, on the way to an 18.11 (119) to 4.3 (27) win – their ninth victory of the year. 

“It was better this week when we got to play a lot of free-flowing footy which was nice but there’s still some stuff to work on before next Sunday, for sure,” CSU coach Pat Noonan said.

“When we play good footy, we play as a cohesive team and I think we played like that today which was really good to see again. I probably haven’t seen it since that Temora game at home (five weeks ago).

“We wanted to get back to that unselfish football and hopefully that flows into next week.”

Just as importantly, the Bushpigs avoided any serious injury concerns and should have Joe Stapleton and Liam Sweeney available for next week’s elimination final against East Wagga-Kooringal.

Nick Wright (with four goals) and fellow midfielders Rob Herzfeld and Brayden Ambler helped assert CSU’s dominance while Angus Blackwood provided drive off half-back. Vas Seker kicked three goals and spent plenty of time in the ruck.

Coleambally defender Tom Morton was reported for striking in the loss. Blues co-coach Tom Groves was again their best, finishing the season with yet another impressive display including kicking two of their four goals.

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