Andrew Brayshaw and Andrew Gaff shake hands pre-game in first meeting since derby punch
In what was the first meeting between Andrew Brayshaw and Andrew Gaff since the infamous punch game, the two players came together in what was a truly classy pre-game gesture.
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Andrew Gaff and Andrew Brayshaw put on a public show of reconciliation before West Coast put Fremantle to the sword in a 51-point pre-season win in Mandurah.
Gaff copped an eight-week suspension last year for his punch that broke Brayshaw’s jaw.
Sunday’s match was the first clash between the pair since that fiery western derby, and they put on a public show of peace by shaking hands and patting each other on the back before the bounce.
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Fremantle opened up a 21-point lead late in the first quarter, and still led by 16 points midway through the second term.
But West Coast turned the game on its head with nine-straight goals to secure the 16.13 (109) to 8.10 (58) win in front of 8047 fans at Rushton Park. The Dockers struggled in the midfield without skipper Nat Fyfe (elbow), with the Eagles winning the stoppage battle 55-27.
West Coast won the centre clearances 18-5, despite losing the overall hit-out tally of 50-36.
Both teams ended the match with injury concerns.
West Coast defender Brad Sheppard came off in the second term after copping a heavy knock to his right knee.
Fremantle swingman Brennan Cox appeared to injure his left hamstring in the first quarter, while Brad Hill had his left calf strapped after an early knock. Prized Dockers recruit Jesse Hogan was solid despite a lack of quality supply, the former Demon finishing with 19 disposals and one goal.
Brayshaw continued his strong pre-season with 22 disposals and former Tiger Reece Conca (26) was also prolific in his first match for Fremantle. West Coast’s grand final hero Dom Sheed followed up his 39-disposal effort against Geelong with 40 possessions and one goal against the Dockers, while Willie Rioli booted four goals from 19 disposals.
Originally published as Andrew Brayshaw and Andrew Gaff shake hands pre-game in first meeting since derby punch
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