Sport

Picola notches statement win

By Matthew Kappos

Apr 13, 2026

Brandon Byrne kicked five goals as Picola rampaged to a big opening round result.

Picola United put the league on notice in the opening round of Picola District Football League action, running away with a 57-point win in the opening round.

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The Blues took a trip to Katunga Recreation Reserve for the clash and, after a middling start, really clicked into form in the second half to start their senior campaign with a win.

Both sides had moments in the first period and Picola had only edged ahead by two points at the first break.

The attacks started to find their feet in the second, but the Blues had the best of things before the half, kicking six goals to four to lead by 15 points at the main interval.

The game was still in the balance at the break, but Picola returned from the sheds with renewed vigour, piling on five more majors in the third and keeping the Swans to only one.

With the points secured, the Blues continued the assault in the fourth for a final score of 16.14 (110) to 8.5 (53).

Joshua Vallender and Brandon Byrne kicked five goals each as coach Jon Varcoe had a dream start to his return to the club.

Picola United will be hopeful of continuing its strong early campaign this week as it hosts Rennie, which suffered a big loss in its first action of the year.