Braybrook wins two in a row as recruits begin to fire

One recruit fell into Braybrook’s lap and the “athletic type” is already making his presence felt as the new look forward line begins to fire. Get an insight into the club’s start to the season.

Braybrook has won two on the trot. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The new faces brought to your club by existing players are worth their weight in gold – just ask Braybrook coach Geoff Maddern.

It’s exactly what the Brookers have landed in Brandon Austin.

After a two-year break from footy, last playing with Broadford in the Outer East league in 2022, Austin has made a stunning start to life in the Western league’s Division 2 competition.

Austin was best afield in the weekend’s 36-point win over Laverton as he took his form to another level.

He’s already been named in the better players in three of the first five games.

“He’s an athletic type,” Maddern said.

“His brother in law plays at the club already and he was looking to get back into it. He’s come down and he’s made a really impressive start.”

In the first five games to start the season, the Brookers have unveiled a new look forward line which is headlined by Jarrod Garth.

An experienced forward with over 900 career goals joined the club from Colac and District Football League club Lorne.

Joining him up forward are the likes of Jack Vivian, who booted three on the weekend, and Jacob Styles who have donned the red and black this season.

“The understanding of each other’s game is starting to grow,” Maddern said.

“Everyone is working out what the strengths and weaknesses are, where everyone leads.”

While his side has now won two in a row, Maddern is aware there is still so much room for growth after a “few teething issues” at the start of the season.

“Some areas of our game still need improvement, transition on defence is one of those. It’s something we’ve been working on closely at training,” he said.

“Controlling the speed of the ball is a key for us, knowing when to go quickly and knowing when to take the speed off.”

Braybrook next faces the Western Rams in what Maddern expects to be “another really good contest.”

Jackson Viola continues to be a focal point up forward for Sunshine Heights.

VIOLA CONTINUES FINE START

Jackson Viola was one of Sunshine Heights’ star recruits in the off-season and he is proving to make a difference up forward. The former Hoppers Crossing star took his season tally to 20 goals after booting nine against Tarneit on the weekend.

BATTISTELLA PLEASED WITH DEVILS GROWTH

North Footscray coach David Battistella has praised the growth of his playing group following a strong win over Albanvale. The Devils ran out 70-point winners as Matt Serafin booted three goals. In a post-match video on the club’s social media channels, Battistella said it was pleasing to see his group really starting to “gel”.

ROOSTER’S RECRUIT STARS IN STATEMENT WIN

West Footscray proved why it’s in the premiership mix this season with a 40-point win over Suns. What would have pleased coach Troy Beamond the most was the fact recruit Jai Haines was best afield. He joined the club from VAFA outfit Williamstown CYMS in the off-season and looms as one of the key pieces in the middle of the ground.

YOUNG GUN MAKES HIS MARK

With the 23rd man rule in effect for the weekend, Wyndhamvale took the opportunity to hand a senior debut to under-16 Marcus Perceval. He didn’t disappoint against the Western Rams, kicking a goal and earning a mention in the best. Lewis Stanton again showed why he’s the point of difference up forward with seven goals.