Sport

Blues’ post-season at risk after fourth straight loss

By Matthew Kappos

Jul 27, 2025

Tom Byrnes found the goal twice as Picola United finally rounded into form in the fourth quarter, but it was too late for the result. Photo: Jordan Townrow

Picola United has hit a downturn in form at the worst time, suffering a fourth straight Picola District Football League loss on Saturday.

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Once one of the top four contenders, the Blues are now fighting to keep their finals status intact after a concerning 10.12 (72) to 5.8 (38) defeat to lower-ranked Strathmerton.

On a wet weekend, the conditions at Picola Recreation Reserve no doubt played their part in the upset result, as the Bulldogs took the advantage early and never looked back.

It took Picola three full quarters to kick into gear and, by the time it did, the game was long out of reach.

The Blues kicked one goal to Strathmerton’s three in the opening term, but couldn’t manage that in quarters two and three, a lone behind the only addition to their total.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs had accumulated 9.10 and, although Picola finally showed some life in the fourth with four majors, Starthmerton was long gone.

Tom Byrnes and Tanner Smith (two goals) top-scored for Picola, while Adrian Crestani (three) was the Bulldogs' goal-kicking leader.

The Blues are now one game ahead of the Bulldogs in ninth, but do have the benefit of a strong percentage.

With two rounds to go and one of those against a winless Mathoura, Picola should find itself in the post-season, but will be disappointed to let what looked like a top-four campaign go begging.

The Blues visit Katunga in their penultimate fixture on Saturday.