Mustangs overcome injuries to post thrilling road win over Baldivis

The home side came charging back into the contest with the Mustangs dugout resembling more of a hospital ward than a bench, but Mandurah was able to hold on for an epic 13.15 (93) to 15.9 (99) victory, moving them to third on the ladder above their opponents.

Tim Read (knee), Jackson Burkett (ankle) and Jarryd Calver (knee) all went down leaving the visitors without a rotation, but they fended off a spirited challenge to post their first victory at Baldivis Oval since 2010.

Both sides were up and about early booting three goals apiece in the opening term, but a five-goal run from Mandurah buoyed them to an 11-point buffer at half time.

Ruckman Hamish Free continued his blinding start to the season as he dominated around the ground, and his efforts helped inspire another five-goal quarter for the guests in the third term.

Read more:

However, Baldivis fought back with Blaine Johnson and Ben Higgs combining for four goals in the term to keep their side within 16 points at the final change.

From there the Brumbies mounted their assault in the final quarter, closing to within three points when Emmanuel Collard found the goal.

But it wasn't to be, as the Mustangs held on to claim the win.

Ivan Lyndon impressed with three goals in his first game of the season after getting the call-up following strong form at the reserves level, while Nathan Thomas got the nod as Mandurah's best after tagging star Brumbies midfielder Brendan Tingey.

The victory is Mandurah's third on the season and sees them surpass their two-game win tallies from the past two seasons.

Coach George Costello said a win at Baldivis Oval was 'another monkey off the back' of his resurgent side.

"It's such a hard oval to win at, and the way they did it, dealing with so many injuries, I thought it was a real credit to the maturity of the playing group," he said.

"We didn't have a rotation in the last term and that hurt us, but the boys remained composed enough to protect their lead and get us over the line."

The victory gives serious fuel to Mandurah's finals aspirations, with Costello saying the club's atmosphere had transformed with the positive results.

"Just seeing some good footy played in a Mustangs uniform has everyone excited," he said.

"I actually took a look around at three-quarter-time and I just couldn't believe how many Mandurah supporters were there to cheer us on.

"It certainly has a big effect on your players when they're getting that kind of love from the spectators."

Mandurah has now won three straight games for the first time since 2010, and will look to make it four on the trot when they host Centrals this coming Sunday.

Meanwhile Baldivis will take on Waroona as they look to bounce back.

Baldivis

B. Higgs 5, B. Johnson 2, B. Tingey 2, A. Field, E. Collard, C. Black, J. Ritchie

Mandurah

I. Lyndon 3, A. McLeod 2, M. Bennell 2, S. Puls 2, A. Cohen 2, H. Free 2, S. Evans, T. Read

Baldivis

J. Russell, B. Higgs, J. Wythes, H. Lynn, E. Collard, J. Branchi

Mandurah

N. Thomas, H. Free, A. Cohen, B. Penny, i. lyndon, N. Gray