By TOBIE CHAPMAN
A FIVE-GOAL haul from Fabian Brancatisano has spurred West Coburg on to an 11-point win against Avondale Heights at Canning Reserve.
West Coburg had won only once in the last two months coming into the game, but bounced back in difficult conditions to win 11.12 (78) to 10.7 (67).
Intermittent rain and a gusty breeze made the going tough for both sides, the game often a scrappy and taxing contest.
Avondale Heights came into the game off the back of a shock victory against Essendon Doutta Stars and had a chance to record their third win of the season against a struggling West Coburg side.
Heights controlled much of the first term, although both sides struggled to maintain possession of the football in the wet.
This control wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard, as the Burgers defended strongly and were able to create run through the middle, kicking three goals to one in the opening term with the advantage of the breeze.
They appeared to be working harder, often having an extra man or two around the contest to provide extra support and outside run.
Avondale Heights found reward in the second term, the tone set early when big man Nathan Byrne goaled after winning a free kick for holding the ball.
They were dealt a blow when ruckman Tom Russell was struck by an errant elbow and forced from the ground, bleeding heavily. He would play no further part in the game, leaving Heights reliant on Byrne in the ruck.
Matt Cravino and David Stretton were dominating the midfield battle, seemingly relishing the muddy conditions.
Patrick Rose put his side ahead midway through the term, but they went into the halftime break a goal down after West Coburg won a free kick just out of the goal square late in the term.
The Burgers jumped out of the blocks in the third, winning the first centre clearance and finding Brancatisano to take a 12-point lead after only 30 seconds.
Heights responded quickly with two goals through Jethro Calma-Holt and Cory Lobb to bring the game back to a deadlock.
In the highest-scoring quarter of the game both sides continued to trade blows, but heading into the final term it was all even.
West Coburg jumped out early again, but this time the lead was too big for Heights to drag back.
Avondale Heights produced a late surge, but the Burgers were able to hang on for a gutsy victory.
Brancatisano was unstoppable up forward, while Tom Baravi was prolific through the midfield and half forward flank in an impressive performance.
Jack Yelland and Jordan Gloury were important down back, and although Patrick Rose kicked five goals, his overall impact was limited.
AVONDALE HEIGHTS | 10.7-67
Goal Kickers: P. Rose 5, J. Calma-Holt, C. Nastasi, B. Robb, N. Byrne, A. Durnan
Best Players: J. Morris, D. Stretton, M. Cravino, B. Robb, M. O''Dwyer, N. Slater
WEST COBURG | 11.12-78
Goal Kickers: F. Brancatisano 5, M. Kjoege, S. Mete, R. Cleary, O. Abdallah, O. Saad, T. McMillan
Best Players: F. Brancatisano, J. Yelland, A. Kelly, J. Gloury, T. Baravi, O. Abdallah
