Walyalup acting captain Andy Brayshaw says a heartbreaking finals exit is driving the team’s record-breaking start to the season.
In front of 53,707 fans at Optus Stadium last night, Walyalup stormed home with a six-goal to two last quarter, securing a hard fought 30-point win over Euro-Yroke.
“I think the way we sort of finished our season last year left a bad taste in our mouths,” Brayshaw told Radio 6PR post-match, referring to the side’s devastating one-point Elimination Final loss to Gold Coast.
“Losing by a kick at our home ground really drove our training in the off season – it sort of lit the fire in the belly for a lot of guys.
“We’re just hungry for wins, hungry for success. I think that loss last season really kick-started our year to be honest.
“It really got guys working. Our training sessions are brutal. We’re training with really high intensity and then we get to let go and play with freedom on the weekends.
“We’re in a really good spot – 10 and one is a great spot to be in – but there’s still heaps of work to do.”
Walyalup will turn attention to a clash with back-to-back premiers Brisbane next weekend and Brayshaw says there’s no getting carried away with the Club’s 10-game winning streak.
“Sort of the mentality we’re trying to keep is just going one in a row,” said Brayshaw.
“That was really our focus, just win this one.
“It’s going to be the same this week with an away trip against a really good side at the Gabba.”
Co-vice-captain Caleb Serong will miss the clash with the Lions due to his calf injury, but senior coach Justin Longmuir remains hopeful midfielder Hayden Young (concussion) and captain Alex Pearce (knee) may be available for selection.
Brayshaw said winning without some of his fellow leaders was a good sign.
“The back six really stood up without Moose (Alex Pearce) there,” Brayshaw said.
“Bolts (Shai Bolton) and Murphy Reid really stood up in the midfield without Caleb. We’ll try and get these guys back over the next couple of weeks.
“If we can keep stacking up wins while those guys are out, that’s a really positive sign.
“It’s exciting to get a win like that without a couple of our key leaders.”
