Tara Murray
Braybrook kicked off the 2024 Western Football League season on a winning note, beating Laverton on Good Friday.
The division 2 match was the only match played on Good Friday and Braybrook was able to put out a strong performance.
The Brookers had nine scoring shots to three in the first quarter to lead by 11 points before extending that margin to 32 points at half time.
The Brookers continued to extend the lead in the second half, restricting the Magpies to just one goal in the second half.
The Brookers won, 15.18 (108)-4.7 (31).
Brookers coach Geoff Maddern said it was a really good start to the season.
“We haven’t played a lot of footy together,” he said. “We’ve still got some kinks to iron out.
“It was nice to get a win, especially first up.”
Maddern said it was a good game of football and it was a bit of a tussle. He said the teams had very different game styles.
“We were able to outrun them on the ground, but they were able to out mark us.”
Maddern said it would have been nicer to kick a bit straighter to put the game beyond doubt earlier on.
Bradley Busuttil kicked six goals for the Brookers, while Justin and Matthew Condo kicking two goals apiece.
It was all single goal kickers for Laverton, with Ayang Nyanjok named their best.
Maddern said for his side, it was a really even performance.
He highlighted the Condo brothers and Brandon Watts were some of the standouts.
The win matches the Brookers win total from last season when they struggled in the division 2 competition, when there were still three divisions.
Maddern said the win was a good starting point. He said they did a bit of work in the off season to help the side further develop.
“We have a bit of time to improve as the season progresses,” he said.
“We introduced a fitness strength and conditioning coach this year and that will be a big help.
“The attendance at training has been really good.”
The Brookers now have the weekend off, with the season not officially kicking off in full until April 13.
The only match this weekend is Sunshine against Albion.
The Brookers face Albion in their next match.
Maddern said they would probably get down and have a look at the match, with both teams expected to be up towards the top of the ladder.
