After walking away from country football to chase a higher standard of the game, Brayden Lawler has experienced both the highs and lows of WAFL level football in his time with Peel Thunder.
The 21-year-old former Carey Park Football Club dual best and fairest is nearing the business end of his first season with the Thunder and is attempting to return to form after a snapped oblique muscle sidelined him midway through the season.
Lawler said the difference in skill, speed and game plan at WAFL level was the biggest challenge he faced when stepping into his first pre-season at Fremantle Dockers affiliate club.
“It was a huge jump to go from playing in country football where you just have to hold down your position, to playing in a side where if you don’t think about things while they happen you find yourself on the outer,” he said.
“Having to make sure you’re standing in the exact right spot at the right time was something I found hard to adjust to.”
But Lawler adapted to quickly and found himself picked in the starting 22 for Peel’s opening match against West Perth.
He played at half forward and finished with 13 disposals, six tackles and a goal.
“It was a huge jump to go from playing in country football where you just have to hold down your position, to playing in a side where if you don’t think about things while they happen you find yourself on the outer,”
- Brayden Lawler
From there his confidence grew, helping him put in strong performances in the following weeks.
In round three he tallied 20 disposals, eight marks, six tackles and a goal in a big win over East Fremantle.
Two weeks later he notched 14 disposals, six tackles and three marks in a win over West Coast Eagles affiliate club East Perth.
Lawler also faced the challenge of earning his spot in a side filled with Fremantle-listed talent.
“It’s pretty hard to keep your spot in the side, there are a bunch of people knocking on the door for a call-up,” he said.
“Having the Dockers boys in the mix makes things really competitive, but they’re great for the club.
“They know the game plan inside and out so if you’re having trouble with something you can just ask and they help you out.”
Lawler put together a number of strong performances, but injury struck him down in Peel’s round 11 match against West Perth.
He amassed 10 disposals and four tackles early on, before snapping the oblique muscle in his pelvis.
“I was probably having one of my better games for the season so it was a real shame to go down,” he said.
Lawler then went into a rehabilitation process monitored by the Thunder.
“There were a few things I’d never seen before when I was going through the rehab for the injury,” he said.
“The water treadmill was definitely new to me.”
WATCH: Click on the picture below to see an interview with Brayden Lawler.
But his return to football from a six-week stint on the sidelines was a positive one.
Lawler tallied 16 disposals, five inside 50s and a massive 13 tackles on his way back through the reserves against Claremont last weekend.
His current aim is to work his way back into the league side as the Thunder is on the cusp of an inaugural finals berth.
“The club’s close to making their first ever finals series, so I really want to be a part of that,” Lawler said.
“I’ll continue to work hard and try and push into what is a really strong side.”
Lawler sticks by his decision to move to Peel and said it’s what he enjoys most.
“I’ve got no plans to go anywhere, I love playing footy for Peel and playing in the WAFL,” he said.
“It’s a fair bit of travel as I still live in Bunbury but I’m really enjoying my footy.”
