Braybrook opens its season with big win over Laverton

Braybrook’s recruits gave a strong first impression in a Good Friday win over Laverton, proving why the WFNL club went after them. Here’s why they were targeted and who impressed.

Justin Condon impressed in his debut.

Braybrook is already seeing positives to its off-season recruiting moves.

The Brookers opened the Western Football League Division 2 season with a comprehensive 15.18 (108) to 4.7 (31) win over Laverton on Good Friday with a number of its recruits impressing.

Matt and Justin Condo were both named among the better players alongside Brandon Watts as the Brookers overcame the Magpies in warm conditions at Pennell Reserve.

The returning Brad Busuttil caused plenty of headaches inside forward 50 with six goals with the Condo boys their side’s only other multiple goalkickers.

Braybrook coach Geoff Maddern said the summer had been about continue to develop the playing group.

“There were a few spots we were keen to fill with some experienced guys,” he said.

“We had some good young guys coming through from last year, like the Spackman brothers (Corey and Nathan) who were good again on Friday. Getting guys back was a focus area for us as well to help with the points system.

“Brad had a really nice game up forward and probably could have kicked a couple more on another day.”

Brad Busuttil for Braybrook back in 2017. Picture: David Smith

Laverton had started the contest in hot fashion, booting the first two goals of the game in quick succession before the Brookers found their feet.

There were debuts for several of the Magpies’ big name off-season recruits including Alex Grigg, Kevin Klix and Shaydon Bloomfield.

“I thought they competed really well, they’ll trouble a lot of sides,” Maddern said of the opposition.

“They kicked the ball really well.”

Braybrook was able to get momentum in the contest on the back of a tough inside midfield game before spreading the ball wide and using the ball short by foot.

An open forward line allowed them to hit the scoreboard, although inaccuracy kept the game closer than it could have been.

But Maddern isn’t looking too much into the result.

Braybrook coach Geoff Maddern. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I think it’s going to take a few weeks before we know where we sit,” he said.

“There’s going to be some really strong sides and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against them.”

Braybrook will now have a week off before its official round one game against Tarneit at home.

“It’s a strange way to start, I’ve never experienced it before,” Maddern said.

Laverton face the Suns in round one.