Newcastle City Blues blitz Nelson Bay Marlins in AFL Seniors Cup semi-final

ALL-conquering Newcastle City are the team to beat for this year’s Hunter Central Coast AFL Black Diamond Senior Mens Cup premiership title.

The slick Blues outfit demonstrated their champion qualities with a crushing 136-19 victory over the Nelson Bay Marlins in a superb qualifying final performance last Saturday at Max McMahon Oval.

In a masterful display, the undefeated Newcastle line-up booted 20 goals to send the stout-hearted Marlins tumbling out of the title race.

In this Saturday’s premiership decider, they will meet Killarney Vale Bombers, who knocked out the second-ranked Terrigal Avoca Panthers 112-69 in a qualifying final clash at Adelaide Street Oval.

Newcastle dominated from the outset against the Marlins and kicked eight goals and four behinds in a stunning opening quarter display to lead 52-6 at the first break.

The Blues booted another four goals in the second quarter to open up an unassailable 83-7 lead at the half-time break and posted 22 points in the third term for a 105-9 advantage.

Leading the way was super-boot Jason Pongracic, who kicked five goals with support from Finnbarr Hurley, Nick Anderson, Jack Woodhams (3 goals), Tommy Burke and Jordan Dear (3).

Other goal scorers for Newcastle included Jackson Crawford (3),  Max Quinlan (2), Bailey Cullen (2), skipper Jack Lanyon and Dom Stanbridge.

Nelson Bay tried hard but were no match for the star-studded minor premiers in a 117-point rout.

So impressive was the Blues defence that they restricted the Marlins to only two goals for the entire match.

The Nelson Bay players can hold their heads high after wholehearted performances during a gallant Grand Final charge.

With 10 victories and a qualifying final appearance under their belts in 2026, the future augurs well for the fast-developing Marlins in the top men’s division.

By Chris KARAS