The Soaring

Congratulations to Michael Braun on a stellar career with the West Coast Eagles. Brauny called it quits today after 12 seasons with the club.

Eagle champ Braun announces retirement

Michael Braun will be remembered as one of the favourite sons of the Eagles footy club. From being selected with the unlikely 53rd pick of the 1996 draft, to a B&F runner up at 21, to a couple of years crippled through injury, to returning to become a stellar midfielder in his era’s greatest midfield, Brauny is a premiership player and life member of the club.

I’ve always admired Brauny for the way he’s gone about his footy - his professionalism, his work ethic, his competitiveness, his ability / desire to push himself. During what was probably his footballing peak in season 2005/06 Brauny was known for his ability to win key possession in “red-time” - the last 5 minutes of the quarter when other players were fading, Brauny seized on the opportunity and outran his opponents.

It was this sort of drive that caused Braun injury problems earlier in his career due to “overtraining”. Once he pulled this in it became a strength of his that no doubt was a sizeable contribution to the team success he enjoyed at the club.

His loss to the side in the opening minutes of the 2005 preliminary final against Adelaide with a knee injury and his absence the following week in the Grand Final loss to Sydney can’t be underestimated. It was poor timing, but you can’t help but think a fit #10 out on the ‘G might have made 5 points difference to the side.

It’s a fair measure of a fine player.

Update: Good words on Brauny’s career from ex-teammate and long time friend Chad Morrison