WRFL: Braybrook come from behind against Sunshine Heights

Braybrook is through to the WRFL Division 3 preliminary final after a dominant display from one of its stars. But the Brookers’ area for improvement is clear.

Braybrook believes it’s never out of games and it might just be its biggest strength.

The Brookers are through to the Western Region Football League Division 3 preliminary final after overcoming Sunshine Heights 13.11 (89) to 12.9 (81) at Pennell Reserve on Sunday.

But they were forced to come from behind after trailing at quarter-time, something which has become a common occurrence in Braybrook’s performances this season against the top sides.

They’ve only won one first quarter against other finalists — Suns, Albanvale and Heights — throughout the season.

That came back in Round 2 against the Suns when they kicked 2.3 to 1.8 on Anzac Day.

Despite another slow start, coach Vinnie Turcinovich always believed his side could get the job done on their home deck.

Braybrook’s Sean Mciver. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The win also extended Turcinovich’s time in charge at the club after he announced earlier in the year he was set to step down at season’s end.

“We knew we were playing finals with about five weeks to go so our challenge has been about trying to find our best form,” he said.

“In the last two (home-and-away season) games against Albanvale and the Suns we actually outscored them in the last three quarters after losing the first. Sunshine Heights had beaten us the last two times we had played them but we knew what we had to work on.

“The boys always believed they were good enough. The belief in this group has been sensational.”

Big man Nicholas Gregson continued his brilliant form with another best on ground display highlighted by two goals.

James Grubb, Rhys Mutch, Ricky Howell and Adam Forth were also impressive.

Meanwhile, Shaun Buttigieg-Clarke kicked four goals to move to 97 for the season.

“Gregson has been terrific in the last few games,” Turcinovich said.

“With a relative new list he took time to adjust and get to know the boys. He got plenty of the ball and was able to do some real damage.

“He had to push through a bit of a recurring injury which was a real tough thing to do. We’ll see how he is before this week now.”

Braybrook’s Johny Ho. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Despite not having beaten Albanvale in three previous meetings this year, Turcinovich is confident his side is able to cause an upset this weekend.

He highlighted the need to stop Cobras’ stars including Liam Montrose and Reece Duffield.

“They’ve proven themselves to be one of the top two teams all year,” he said.

“We need to play our game. We’re full of confidence.

“Our first quarter must be good.”