Brazil impresses in defence for Saints

By Hamish Donaldson

Aug 7, 2023

Throwing everything at the opponents: Fintan Brazil dives at Echuca's Brady Simpson. Photo: Brenden Paddock Photo by Brenden Paddock

While he may not have shown flair typical of a Brazilian soccer player at the back for Benalla, Fintan Brazil’s efforts were unmatchable.

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Brazil was the Saints’ most involved player in defence and though his drive could not get his team across the line against the top-of-the-table Echuca side, the player seemed to be everywhere all at once for Benalla.

Statistics very rarely lie and in the case of the Benalla defender, his data from Saturday afternoon stood out.

Fintan Brazil vs. Echuca

Kicks — 15

1%ers — 3

Tackles — 6

Tackles effective — 5

Rebound 50S — 7

Brazil was doing his fair sharing of moving the ball out of Benalla’s defensive half as the Murray Bombers attempted to lock themselves in Saints territory.

While the defender’s 15 kicks were prominently used to clear the lines, he managed three inside 50s while also getting the ball out of the defensive half on seven occasions.

What epitomised Brazil's performance was his three 1-percenters, never giving up on a ball and letting the opposition have easy use.

In terms of pure defence, five of Brazil’s six tackles were effective and were crucial in not letting the Murray Bombers run rampant.

Over the past few weeks Brazil has been consistently in the Saints best players and everyone at the club is hoping that his efforts pay dividends on the ladder in their near future.