WAFL 2024: East Perth co-captain Hamish Brayshaw pushing to play in grand final despite serious foot injury

Sandover medallist Hamish Brayshaw is pushing to play in the grand final as he continues to work through a serious late-season footy injury. The Royals co-captain hasn’t played since round 18 because of a lisfranc injury he picked up in the first half of their win over West Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium. Brayshaw is understood to have trained fully on Tuesday at full speed and was comfortable changing directions as he hopes to get back on the park for the decider at Optus Stadium on September 22. The former West Coast midfielder has been restricted to only 11 games this season because of a series of injuries including a glute and pre-season ankle surgery. It comes after Brayshaw won last year’s Sandover Medal after an incredible season when he averaged 26 disposals and kicked 25 goals in 19 games. Brayshaw will be key to the Royals’ push for their first premiership since 2002, having not played in a grand final since they ended their alignment with the Eagles in 2018. Zach Raykos, 25, is also a chance to play after battling an illness that has restricted him to only one reserves game since round 18. The 185cm utility has played 14 games this season, but missed the semifinal win over Swan Districts and will battle to get into the best 22 for the grand final. It will also be the first time East Perth have played at Optus Stadium, having never been part of a grand final or regular season game at the venue. Potential grand final opponent Swan Districts also haven’t played there either, while Peel Thunder have run out on their on three occasions with their only win a 68-point thumping of West Coast in round four this season.