If a week is a long time in football, 12 days was an eternity for Albanvale to stew over its shocking home opening loss to Glen Orden in Western Region Football League division 3 on April 13.
The Cobras were disappointed with their showing in front of their home fans – and could do nothing about it until their Anzac Day clash with Braybrook.
A massive 76-point win over the Brookers was just what the Cobras needed to get back to feeling good about themselves once more.
Cobras coach Andrew Bryson was delighted.
“The whole theme coming off the loss to Glen Orden was to re-group, re-focus and ultimately respond,” he said.
“To the boys’ credit, they did all those three things almost from the moment we lost to Glen Orden.
“They weren’t happy with how they played and I think it stung a few of them a bit and they responded accordingly.”
All eyes were on Albanvale boom recruit Nathan Black and how his nagging achilles issue would respond after being managed during the Easter break.
Black returned to his glorious best with 10 goals, though exited when the points were in the bag.
It is the second time in three games that Black has kicked bags of 10 goals.
“I’m not too concerned with how many goals he kicks – it’s his second and third efforts when the ball was in his area, that’s what’s going to get other people involved,” Bryson said.
Bryson was happy with Albanvale’s defence, which held Braybrook to 69 points. He praised backmen Liam Ryan, Sean Blake and Jacob Maschewski for their tireless efforts.
David Mundi thrived in his role on the wing, providing plenty of drive, while Kym Taylor continued his strong start to the season with four goals.
Albanvale will be looking for its first home win of the season when Laverton pays a visit on Saturday.
In other division 3 games, North Sunshine kicked one goal in a 190-point annihilation at the hands of top-of-the-ladder Tarneit.
Sunshine Heights suffered a 56-point loss to undefeated Glen Orden.
MORE WRFL NEWS
https://www.starweekly.com.au/sports/st-albans-fights-back/
