Half-time blast inspires Blues to 42-point, grand final-winning third quarter

Coach Phil Birchmore at three-quarter time.

The Hinterland Blues won the QFA Division 2 North Seniors Grand Final in resounding fashion against Alexandra Hills at Wilston Grange AFC on Saturday.

The Blues ran away in the second half on fitness and professionalism to win 16.7.103 to 10.6.66 and stamp their authority on an unbeaten season.

The win is the perfect launching pad for the Blues promotion to Division One next year.

Coach Phil Birchmore never doubted his side was capable of winning, given the squad’s commitment throughout the year.

Even when the team was trailing 51-47 at half time Birchmore knew the team had the reserves of fitness to come home strong.

“We know we’ve put in the work. We know we’ll come home strong,” he told his team at three-quarter time. And he was right.

“We never doubt ourselves, no matter what the scoreboard says,” said Birchmore. “We just know what is going to be coming ahead. Because we know we've trained hard, we know we’re fit, and we know that we are going to keep going all day. And we proved that in the second half.

“It’s our fitness base. We just get harder and faster and quicker as the game progresses. The boys have trained hard and they just get better every week ... it’s just one of the best feelings. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Birchmore paid tribute to the sponsors, players, trainers, supporters, and gave a shout out to President Bruce Bell with whom he started on the journey four years ago.

Bell said an inspired third quarter, where they scored 42 points and held the Bombers to a single behind, was the difference. “It’s an old term in footy, they call the third quarter the ‘premiership quarter’ and the boys just put their foot down in the third. Sides are always going to stay with us and throw everything they have at us in the first half. But we had too much fitness and class when it really mattered.”

In an all-round team performance the stand-outs were Josh Nanninga and Benny Kristelly in the ruck, midfielder Dom Killworth, and “Best on Field” Nathan Spring.

Captain Callum Mann said his side took a while to hit top gear.

“I think that we were a bit flustered up until half time, but at half-time Birchmore came in with a level head and explained what we needed to do to go from there. And everyone took it in their stride and it was excellent.

“I couldn’t repeat what he said but it was something special. I think he’s been waiting for that moment and I’m so glad we got over the line for him.”

Callum gave a “massive thank you” to Birchmore and Bell. “I don’t think many people appreciate all the work they do behind the scenes ... what they do when they go in to the club countless hours every week. I don’t think Birchy’s missed one training since he started here four years ago.”