Coleambally can dare to dream after producing a 47-point final quarter for a stunning comeback victory at Charles Sturt University on Saturday.
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The Blues went from 27 points down at three-quarter-time to three-goal winners at Peter Hastie Oval.
Luke Hillier led the way with five goals in the 13.13 (91) to 11.7 (73) win. His fellow co-coach Curtis Steele acknowledged they're starting very late but they'll hold out hope of an unlikely run at finals.
"We're very pleased. That's the start that we needed to the second half (of the year)," Steele said.
"But it's do-or-die for us. We can't afford to lose any games or it's going to make it very difficult.
"Hopefully we keep winning and it all falls into place. We've got to keep playing our arses off basically and not leave it up to anyone else."
After an even first quarter, the Bushpigs led by a goal at half-time. With five goals to one in the third, they looked set for a move back to fifth.
Ruckman Darcy Mader was dragged briefly after giving away a 50 metre penalty and on return for the fourth quarter, Steele said, "he basically won us the game".
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Coleambally took control in the middle and kicked four goals straight after the break on their way to 7.5 for the quarter, while holding the opposition goal-less.
"They probably grabbed their opportunities better in the third quarter but our fourth quarter was the turning point and gives the boys a confidence boost, it shows what footy we can play if we get it together," Steele said.
"Our run-and-carry and our composure was pretty good I thought. We knew when to go and when not to go and hold up the ball and control the tempo.
"We basically pulled the trigger, hit the targets we needed to hit in the corridor and got the handball receives and away we went. It's the best footy we've played all year."
Souring the win, the Blues lost Tom Groves in the first half to a suspected fractured cheekbone. Steele and Hillier both spent plenty of time in the middle with key forward Jade Hodge (three goals) also swapping with Steele.
The challenge is to back it up against a top four team.
"Hopefully we can upset The Rock and bring us back into a bit of finals contention," Steele said.
CSU lost Grant Daly to a leg injury at half-time. Jordyn McCulloch and Harry Turner led their efforts. They're outside the five on percentage but still two wins clear of Barellan and the Blues.
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