Baldivis break away to keep season alive with win over Centrals

The two sides were all tied up at half time, but it was the Brumbies breaking away in the third term to end what was an admirable run for the Blues with a 10.11 (71) to 9.7 (61) result.

Ben Higgs, Jarrad Heal and Kyle Smith all slotted two goals for the reigning premiers, while Aden Field and Hayden Lynn were fantastic around the ground.

But Centrals were up to the task early in what was a neck-and-neck first half.

Jack Egan's fantastic form in front of goal was a factor in the opening term, as he booted two of his three goals in the period.

But Baldivis did enough to maintain a one-point lead at the change.

The second quarter proved no different, as the two sides both booted a pair of goals and went into half time tied up at 5.5 (35) apiece.

The Brumbies found another gear in the third, however, snaring four goals to Centrals' one as they broke away in a game-defining swing.

With Field and Heal finding ways to impact the contest, the home side was able to chalk up a 20-point lead at the final change.

Centrals mustered one last push for their season, though, conjuring three goals to Baldivis' one in the final term.

Bruno Faulker, Dylan Goodall and Ben Cabassi all scored majors for the quarter, getting them within a point midway through the period.

But it wasn't enough to buoy the Blues to a win.

Baldivis now moves on to a preliminary final clash with South Mandurah, with the winner set to progress into a grand final showdown with the Rams.

The loss ends the year for Centrals, but the club will be happy with their late run of form as they head into 2020 hoping for a return to a normal season.

Baldivis

B. Higgs 2, J. Heal 2, K. Smith 2, B. Johnson, J. Ritchie, H. Thomas, A. Field

Centrals

J. Egan 3, B. Faulkner, B. Cabassi, D. Cabassi, R. Henley, D. Goodall, M. Somerville

Baldivis

A. Field, J. Heal, J. Ritchie, H. Lynn, B. Waddington, K. Smith

Centrals

B. Faulkner, A. Cabassi, B. McPhail, D. Cabassi, T. Gianatti, M. Somerville