Brumbies rout Rams

Baldivis Football Club continued their hot form in the Peel Football League last Saturday, as the Brumbies thumped the Rockingham Rams at Anniversary Park, 14.14 (98) to 3.10 (28).

Fresh from his selection in the WA State Country Football squad, Eddy Dann led Baldivis with five goals as the visitors punished a young and inexperienced Rams outfit by 70 points.

While legendary Rams players were on hand for a special 20th anniversary premiership celebration, it was Baldivis who showed their premiership credentials as they ran out to a comfortable lead early, restricting Rockingham to just two points in the first term.

Baldivis kicked away to a 34-point lead at the main break before another stellar defensive effort in the final quarter saw the Rams only kick one point as the Brumbies ran away with it.

Despite having about 12 players out with injury, Rams coach Scott Franklin remained upbeat after the loss.

“Our contested stuff in and around the footy was good but as soon as the ball left the contest, they outworked us, outran us and used the ball better,” Franklin said.

While Dann filled his boots with five majors for Baldivis, Luke Robinson and Joshua Hill also chimed in with two each, with Kieren Lansdell, Brendan Tingey, Daniel Kimberley, Brieghton Shea and Callum Black all getting in on the action with a goal each.

Tyler Sutton (2) and Michael Coy kicked the only goals for Rockingham, with Fraser Millar, Tim Taylor and Steven Kenny the stand-outs for the home side.

Teenagers Rhyc Palmer and Travis Naughton also had a memorable evening as they were handed their league debuts for the Rams. Both sides now turn their attention to big matches this Sunday, with Rockingham travelling to Mandurah and Baldivis visiting top-of-the-ladder Mundijong Centrals.

The Rams will hope to get back to winning ways against the Mustangs, with eight to 10 players expected to return from injury. Meanwhile, Baldivis could haul themselves level at the top of the ladder on percentage if they beat Centrals at Mundijong Oval.

In a stunning race to the finals, only two games separate Centrals at the top from fifth-placed Waroona.