Baldivis leave Tigers stunned with statement victory

Four goals from Blaine Johnson, a best afield performance from James Russell and an outstanding defensive effort guided the Brumbies to the crushing win over what was a top-spot Tigers outfit, securing them their third win on the trot.

The Brumbies were off to a solid start against the reigning back-to-back champs, keeping them goalless through the first quarter while Johnson and Ben Higgs converted their own majors.

But it was in the second quarter that Baldivis was able to truly break away from their guests.

Brett Milward would boot the only goal of the day for Pinjarra in the second term, but the home side got to work piling up four of their own through stand-in captain Aden Field, Daniel Kimberley, Chris Tudor and Keegan Whitcombe.

Their efforts had Baldivis cushioned by a five-goal lead at the half time break, and things only got worse for the Tigers from there.

The Brumbies would heap a further seven goals onto their lead in the third term, with Russell getting some scoreboard reward for his efforts around the ground while Higgs and Joel Ritchie both booted a pair of goals in the period.

A further five goals in the final term eventually pushed the margin beyond 100 points in a dominant four-quarter effort from the Brumbies, spearheaded by Josh Branchi's outstanding ruck work.

Pinjarra almost owned the highlight of the day when Stephen Martin came close to plucking a high-flying mark over Brendan Tingey, but the skipper fell just short of reeling in the grab.

Baldivis has now won three straight games, all of which have come against their top-four rivals in Centrals, Rockingham and the Tigers.

Meanwhile Pinjarra falls to a second straight loss following six wins to start the season, with Milward their only goal scorer across the past two weeks.

It's uncharted territory for the defending champs, but coach Troy Vidovich his adamant his team can address the issues plaguing their past two performances.

"I just think it's all mental," he said.

"It's a matter of attitude more than talent. We know the guys we've got on the park are winners, but we haven't been switched on for two weeks now and you can't afford to do that in this competition.

"For me, I think we just throw that game in the bin and try to get back to being in the right mindset.

"All credit to Baldivis, they're the team to beat right now and they showed it.

"They gave us a real reality check, but I think if we've shown over the past few seasons that if we just come ready to play we're capable of bouncing back."

Vidovich's Tigers will need to conquer Halls Head if they are to bounce back in round nine, while Baldivis head to Falcon Oval for a date with South Mandurah.