Tara Murray
A blistering 20 minute period in the first quarter proved to be the key for Braybrook in getting the win against the Western Rams in the Western Football League division 2 competition on Saturday.
Facing each other for the first time since the Rams joined the competition, the game was all but over at quarter time.
The Brookers led by 44 points at quarter time after kicking eight goals to one in the first quarter.
The rest of the game was a lot closer, but the Brookers were able to extend the lead and come away with a 21.11 (137)-7.8 (50) win.
Coach Geoff Maddern said the Rams made them work hard for it.
“It was a really good contest and there were great patches of play both ways,” he said.
“We finished off a little bit better and had a couple of good targets ahead of the ball.”
Maddern said the Rams started the game well and it was an even contest for the first eight minutes of the game.
His side was able to gain some ascendancy and the rest of the quarter was all the Brookers.
“We played some good footy for 20 minutes and it was probably the difference in the end to be honest.”
Ricky Cameron kicked six goals against his old side, while Stephen Mihelakos-James kicked five goals.
Maddern said the pair were strong up forward along with Matthew Condo.
He said Jayden Danaher in the middle of the ground was the standout, while their back six was again strong.
The win was the Brookers fifth of the season and moves them up to seventh on the ladder, only percentage outside the top six.
Maddern said they were around the mark in the battle for finals spots.
“It’s a little bit unpredictable and there’s good games and the games in a great spirit,” he said.
“On your day you can beat anyone with the exceptions of the superstars up the top.
“Four, five, six seven and down to ninth is open season. Everyone wants to be able to push in the top six and it could come down to the draw.
“We have a reasonably tough draw, but no tougher than anyone else. Hopefully we can sneak a couple of wins and we are a chance.”
The Brookers this week face North Footscray on Saturday. Maddern said the two sides had some good contests last year.
In other results, West Footscray smashed Tarneit, Newport was too good for Laverton, while North Footscray had a big loss to Albion.
In division 1, Altona beat Point Cook Centrals and Yarraville Seddon got the points against Spotswood.
