WRFL 2019: Braybrook eyeing grand final berth in Division 3
Braybrook coach Jason Hamilton is targeting a grand final appearance in his second year at the helm of the WRFL Division 3 club after a fruitful off-season.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Braybrook coach Jason Hamilton is targeting a grand final appearance in his second season at the helm of the WRFL Division 3 club.
The Brookers finished fourth in 2018 after they were eliminated by Wyndham Suns in the opening week of finals.
BROWNLOW MEDAL WINNER TO LINE UP IN LOCAL FOOTY
OFF-SEASON HQ: LATEST COACH, PLAYER MOVES IN LOCAL FOOTY
TARGET 1000 CAMPAIGN: HOW YOU CAN HELP COBURG VFL
WHERE TRAVIS CLOKE WILL MAKE CAMEO LOCAL FOOTY APPEARANCE
WE LIST THE MOST-IMPROVED PLAYERS IN PREMIER CRICKET
WHY EX-AFL STAR HAS RETURNED TO HIS ROOTS IN COACHING ROLE
While Braybrook has looked to develop into a fitter unit during the off-season, they have also bolstered their list.
The recruits are headlined by big man Jarrad Neilson, who has crossed from Sunshine Heights after being named in the competition’s Team of the Year last season.
Brad Busuttil, who kicked 32 goals for the club in 2017, has returned after a stint at the Suns, while Michael Motta has arrived from Avondale Heights.
“Jarrad Neilson is probably the pick-up of the comp to be honest,” Hamilton said.
“He’s hard at it, gives a contest and people are very wary of him.
“He’s been putting in the hard yards on the track as well, which is really good coming into the team as probably the prized recruit. He’s been doing everything we’ve asked of him.
“Brad is a big recruit. Obviously he tried his luck somewhere else and it didn’t quite work out, so it was good we could come to terms and get him back on board.
“Michael can take a good mark is very deadly around the goals.”
The acquisition of Neilson will also free up reigning best and fairest winner and star utility Nick Gregson, who spent plenty of time in the ruck last season.
The Brookers are set to boast a dangerous forward line featuring Paul Cutajar-Milosev (who kicked 70 goals last year), Gregson, Busuttil and Motta.
“We’ve got our sights on going higher this year, but in saying that, we’ve probably got the toughest draw in the comp,” Hamilton said.
“So everything we do this year, we’re definitely going to earn it.
“With the players coming into the team and the players we’ve retained … we’re looking to at least play in a grand final.
“We have really concentrated on our running and our ability to run out the game and take on the game at all costs.
“The boys have been doing really well. They probably struggled a little bit early because I don’t think they’ve had that much running before.
“But you can see, especially the last three or four weeks, the running has improved so dramatically.
“We’ve got ourselves in a good position with our fitness levels, that’s for sure.”
Aaron Gatty, who has moved to Werribee Districts, is the only departure of note.
Braybrook will meet Tarneit in Round 1 on April 6.
Son of a footy gun joins Sea Lake-Nandaly
The North Central premiers of the past two seasons could be even stronger as they eye a third successive flag.
Ex-WAFL players sign at country club
A country club determined to make amends after missing finals for the first time in more than 20 years has gone on a recruiting spree landing a quartet of ex-WAFL players.