Picola downed for first time by Rovers

The opening period saw Deni kick seven goals to the Blues’ two to lead by more than 30 at the first break.

As one of the form sides in the competition itself, Picola showed flashes of brilliance in the second, winning the term four goals to two to go into the half within reach at 6.2 (38) to 9.3 (57).

However, the half-time team talk seemed to reinvigorate the Rovers, who slotted another seven majors in the third to stretch the lead to more than 50 points.

Deni would only get the best of the final quarter three goals to two, but it was more than enough to record a strong 62-point win, 19.6 (120) to 9.4 (58), and hand the Blues their first loss of the campaign.

The Rovers’ Tyson Willis had a day out in front of goal with seven majors, while Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson also contributed a four-goal haul.

For Picola, Cody Haub kicked four, while Tom Byrnes (2) was the only other Blue to strike more than once.

The result puts a slight dampener on the Blues' meteoric rise this season, but Picola is still well within the mix of the top sides, sitting in fourth place at 5-1, and trailing unbeaten trio Waaia, Deni Rovers and Katandra.

This Saturday the Blues will visit Berrigan, the Saints also looking to contend this season after a 4-2 start.