Albion records narrow two-point win as Daniel Bramich shines up forward

Albion’s perfect record remains only but only just after a two-point win over Newport. Coach Blake Richards reveals the lessons his side took from the game and the reason behind a star’s position switch.

Darcy McPherson gets a kick away.

Unbeaten and often untested, Albion learnt important lessons on Saturday.

The Cats kept their perfect Western Football Netball League division two record alive with a thrilling 8.15 (63) to 8.13 (61) win over fourth-place Newport.

It was Albion’s closest win since the season opener against Sunshine, where it won by nine points.

Other than that, Cats coach Blake Richards has guided his side to at least 61-point wins.

“We were probably lucky to be honest with you,” Richards said.

“Newport played a really tough brand of footy and really came at us in the last quarter. We got a free kick from a 6-6-6 infringement and managed to go forward and go back ahead.

“These types of games are important for us going forward, the players know what to do now. We didn’t hold the ball for long enough at times and didn’t work fast enough to get behind the footy.

“It’s good to learn these lessons now and not in a cut-throat final where it might cost you the game.”

Albion celebrate a narrow win. Photo: Local Legends Photography.

Richards said his side was going through a “tough period” with several players unavailable due to injury and suspension.

It has forced him into “personnel changes” including deploying usual key defender Daniel Bramich up forward.

In the last two games, Bramich has kicked sic goals.

“He’s played fullback all year and hasn’t complained once, he just plays his role,” Richards said.

“There’s been some games where the ball hasn’t got down there deep and he hasn’t tried to creep up to halfback to get a kick, he’s just held position.

“We’ve been able to throw him forward after a couple of injuries and he’s given us a strong target. In the last quarter, we threw him back and I thought he had five or six really strong contributions.”

One player Albion have been missing in recent weeks is gun midfielder who has recently earned a shot with the Northern Bullants in the VFL.

He debuted against Richmond last weekend.

“He’s worked hard on his footy and deserves his opportunity,” Richards said.

Albion will next take on Sunshine in what many onlookers are predicting to be a grand final preview.