It’s not too late for a Braybrook recovery, but how much do the players really want it?
That’s the question Bombers co-coach Heath Hunter asked his under-performing players during the Western Region Football League division 3 Queen’s birthday break.
The Bombers went into the season full of optimism after a strong recruiting campaign was complemented by a preseason to match.
Five weeks in, they were a little inconsistent with two wins, two heavy losses and a further loss that was brought about by a game that was abandoned in the second half due to wild weather, but nothing that could not have been fixed.
“We had a massive preseason,” Hunter said. “We had probably 50 or 60 blokes on the training track, compared to last year when we had 10 to 15.”
Then came that dreaded date, May 20.
In a shock, Braybrook was upset by bottom-of-the-ladder Laverton Magpies on the road at Laverton Park.
The two-goal loss probably flattered the Bombers after the Magpies registered eight more scoring shots and finished with 9.17.
Nobody saw that result coming, particularly in that manner.
What was to follow has been even more deflating for Braybrook. That loss seemed to have sapped the energy out of Pennell Reserve.
The gaudy numbers at training in preseason are down considerably.
“We’ve fallen away completely, and we can’t put our finger on why,” Hunter said, following heavy losses to top two sides Parkside and Wyndham Suns.
“Trying to get commitment off blokes at the moment is just hard.
“I know if we were sitting 6-0, they’d be down there, or if the weather was warmer.”
If Braybrook wants to make a late dash to the finals, they need a change in mindset, and perhaps follow the lead of captain Luke Fox and defender Nathan Calleja, who are giving their all.
The return of injured stars, forward Mick Lindsey, co-coach Jamie Lane and midfielder Ricky Howell, will help the Bombers cause, but it will not be enough.
“We’re going to sit down tonight and try and put some stuff on the table,” Hunter said before training on Thursday.
“There’s a five-week block and if we can tick off three or four wins, it will really set up our season for the back half of the year.”
The WRFL returns on Saturday with Braybrook looking to get its season back on track away to North Sunshine.
