Brookers dig deep

Nathan Spackman. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 353178_07

Tara Murray

Braybrook had to dig deep to come away with the points against West Footscray in the Western Football League division 2.

The Brookers played the second half without a bench after some first half injuries, but it meant little as they were able to maintain their half time lead.

After leading by four goals at quarter time, the margin was slightly extended to 29 points at the main break.

The margin stayed steady in the second half, with the Brookers winning, 16.14 (110)-11.12 (78).

Brookers coach Geoff Maddern said it was a pretty nice win.

“It was pretty hard and a lot of tough contests,” he said. “There was some good outside play as well.

“It was played in good spirits and it was a good day and we were ultimately able to go on a run.

“We were able to get the ball in our hands early and they missed a few shot. We were able to hold the ascendancy for a lot of the day.”

Maddern said he was proud of the efforts of the group to be able to get the job done without having any rotations in the second half.

Luke Zammit is one of the main ones to be injured, hurting his collarbone, while one player had concussion.

Maddern said Matthew Condo, Jayden Danaher, Harley and Ricky Cameron had strong games along with their skipper Aidan O’Rafferty.

He said they had good solid contributions from everyone.

The win takes the Brookers to 3-2 after five rounds and sit in fifth spot.

Maddern said they were where they expected to be at this point of the season.

“We’re where we should be with how we recruited and the draw we had,” he said. “Albion and Newport within five days of each other was a real trial.

“The teams who have come up from division 3 have given some good contests and they’ve been games we’ve expected to get up in those games and we’ve got those results which is outstanding.”

The Brookers this Saturday face an undefeated Wyndamvale.

Maddern said it would be a really good test for them.

In other matches, Albion continues on its way with a 39.11 (245)-4.3 (27) win against Sunshine Heights.

Cooper Muir kicked six goals as 10 Cats players kicked multiple goals.

Sunshine gave Newport a reality check with a big 18.19 (127)-5.8 (38) win, while North Sunshine had a big loss to Laverton, 31.27 (213)-2.6 (18).

Poor kicking cost Albanvale as it lost to the Suns, 18.19 (127)-5.8 (38).